Richard A. 'Dick' Hoefs
July 21, 1928 - November 25, 2010
Obituary
FITCHBURG-Richard A. "Dick" Hoefs, age 82, of Fitchburg, formerly of Chicago and Houston, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 25, 2010. He was born on July 21, 1928, in Beaver Dam, the son of William and Alvina (Klein) Hoefs. He graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1946, where he played football, basketball and the coronet in a swing band and for military honor funerals. In 1950, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a business administration degree. In 1952, Dick was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Schmock. He was a veteran of the Korean War having proudly served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force. Dick was a partner with Arthur Anderson, specializing in international taxes, where he worked from 1950 until his retirement in 1985. He received his law degree from DePaul University in 1960. Dick served as president of the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations, on the Board of Trustees for Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, as president and treasurer of the Board for Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, as chairman of the board for Midwest Committee for International Economic Development, board of advisors to The Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce, and vice-chair and treasurer of the Board of Directors of Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest. His greatest passion was serving the poor through microfinance as chairman of the board of directors for Opportunity International as well as many other roles there for over 20 years. He was a very active member of each church he belonged to, most recently All Saints Lutheran Church. Dick enjoyed playing golf, tennis, and cards with friends and daily walks with his dogs. He was a great friend and mentor to many. Dick is survived by his son, Robert A. (Debra) Hoefs of Lincoln, Ill; daughter, Nancy G. (Brendan) Connelly of Fitchburg; seven grandchildren, Ashleigh, Nathan (Alexandra), Samuel and Kathryn Hoefs and Emerson, Joselyn and Josel Connelly; and great-grandchild, Skyler Hoefs. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; brother, William; and sister, Connie. Funeral services will be held at ALL SAINTS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2951 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010, with the Reverend Richard Johnson presiding. Burial will be in First Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. and at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Opportunity International.
Memorials:
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Opportunity International.
Cemetery:
Burial will be at First Lutheran Cemetery.
Visitation:
Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday.
Service:
Funeral services will be held at ALL SAINTS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2951 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010, with the Rev. Richard Johnson presiding.
Events
There are no events for Richard yet.
Photos
No photos of Richard have been shared yet.
Memories
MZ
Mark Zorko
Other •
To Dick's family,
We are sorry for your loss. Dick became a good friend through our work with Opportunity. I admire the example he set by fully giving of himself for a very worthy cause. His efforts in the U.S. and Philippines will have a permanent impact enriching the lives of many families.
God Bless,
Mark Zorko
SD
Sam and Jeanette Douglass
Other •
Dick will be greatly missed by the Foundation. He was always willing to speak up and had a passion for the work that was clearly evident. He was not afraid to speak boldly when he felt maybe we were not going the way God wanted us to go or that we lacked passion for our mission. He always seemed interested in how God was working in the lives of others and in other organizations that were trying to be faithful to the Lord's calling on them. In a time of turmoil we will miss Dick's voice of challenge and encouragement. May God continue to give you peace as you grieve this wonderful servant of our Lord. Sam and Jeanette Douglass
R(
Richard H. Hiatt (Rick)
Other •
Family of Dick, I had a great friendship with Dick and he was a great mentor to our group of Trustees and myself. I recently served as chairman and he was very supportive and giving me good guidance. I will miss our talks and I will miss him keeping the group on task and reminding us of the Lord's will and our purpose. This world is a better place because of Richard Hoefs. God's Blessing to you all.