Peter Michael Hoefer
December 24, 1948 - November 04, 2011
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Peter Michael Hoefer
December 24, 1948 - November 04, 2011
Obituary
Peter Michael Hoefer
December 24, 1948-November 4, 2011
Peter Michael Hoefer loved life. He was born to Bernard and Maggie Hoefer on Christmas Eve and was happiest surrounded by family during the holidays. He was devoted to his family, his friends and his students. His beautiful smile and extraordinary spirit are sorely missed by his wife, Barbara; his sister, Gretchen Terry; her husband, Chuck; and their children. Barbara’s family loved Peter deeply and struggles with his loss.
Peter’s many talents were reflected in the work he did. His gentle nature and love of all animals, especially horses, were put to use in his first career with Bob Hubbard Horse Transportation. He also loved to work with his hands and enjoyed being able to join his life-long friend, Warren Karr, in his TroubleShooters business. Peter’s final career as a Special Education teacher was the result of his passion for helping children believe in themselves, and develop to their full potential. He adored Del Cerro Elementary School, and was grateful for the opportunity to teach there with his wife. Peter played as hard as he worked. He was always excited to plan a trip to somewhere beautiful with Barbara’s parents, Bill and Carolyn Souza. Long summer vacations riding his bicycle near the beach or through the Rocky Mountains brought him endless joy.
Peter’s battle with liver disease ended on November 4th at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Because the faith of the doctors and nurses never wavered, he had the strength to persevere through some very difficult days. His family will always be grateful to them.
On Friday, November 18th from 1:00-2:00, Peter’s life will be celebrated at the Laguna Hills Community Center at 25555 Alicia Parkway. He will be laid to rest at the Riverside National Cemetery where his service in the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division will be honored.
Peter was courageous his entire life, most especially during the last two years. Barbara told him daily that he was her hero. He will be forever.
27 responses to Peter Michael Hoefer
Huttenhoff Family says:
November 13, 2011
Lit a candle in memory of Peter Michael Hoefer
Karen Swendseid says:
November 13, 2011
Peter was an amazing man who loved not only his wife, Barbara, but all of life. He always had an upbeat way about him and he looked at life as an adventure. He loved riding bikes, going on summer camping trips with Barbara and of course, Pookie, their dog. I enjoyed working with him at Del Cerro and saw just how much of a difference he made in the lives of the children he worked with as well as the other students at our school. Peter was a doer. He began having students at our school make a tile when they were in 6th grade and arranged to have these tiles placed on several walls around campus. He was in charge of getting everyone excited to make a tile and worked tirelessly getting them painted and put in the kiln. He even asked each staff member to make a tile about a special time in their life. I wasn’t excited to actually make the tile, but Peter was there encouraging me and even complimenting my work. When I look at the tiles up on the wall of the school, I will remember Peter and the special way he was with all the people he met. Thanks for crossing my path Peter. You will be remembered and loved by all those who crossed your path in life. You were a shining example of the type of person we’d all like to be.
Leslie Terry says:
November 13, 2011
I can’t remember Peter without his incredible smile and positive outlook on life! Throughout his challenges, he always looked at life as the glass half full. I remember Barb and Peter entering our house soon after he was told he had cancer. We were devastated, but Peter, with his easy smile and calm demeanor said he’d beat it and we didn’t question his determination.
Peter never let cancer define who he was. He maintained a strong sense of optimism as an example for all of us. When I reflect on Peter and his outlook at life, it makes me think of this quote from Thomas Fuller:
“An invincible determination can accomplish almost anything and in this lies the great distinction between great men and little men.”
In recent years, I haven’t had the opportunity to see Peter and Barb as much as I would have liked, but whenever I did, it always amazed me that he had such a genuine interest in learning what was new in my life and that of my family. He’d remember events and details about my kids and even my pets from long ago, and ask about them. Peter had an innate ability to make everyone feel special.
The world was a better place having Peter in it; we need more like him. I will miss you, Peter.
Lynette Wilkerson says:
November 13, 2011
Our deepest condolences to the Hoefer family. Our children are Del Cerro students and while neither of them were in his class, they always spoke fondly of him and how nice he was to all the students. He obviously had a positive effect on all the students at the school and he will be missed greatly.
The Wilkerson Family
Bill Michelle says:
November 14, 2011
I had the good fortune to have Mrs Hoefer teach both my boys, Blake and Jack. I took the trip to San Diego to do the Star of India with Blake, and was able to spend some time with Peter and Barbara outside of the teaching world. Sweet, warm, kind, funny, all the traits I love to find in others, makes them fun to be around. I recall coming to school, and the best days inevitably involved Mr Hoefer smiling and embracing and welcoming his kids first thing in the morning. Oh if only we all could begin our day with a greeting from Peter–would make life so much better! I plan to go into my nearly fifty year old memory banks and draw on those feelings when I am struggling to get my day going.
It will have to do–thanks for the memories Peter! The Hoefers were another example of the exceptional individuals my kids and my family had a chance to be involved in during our years at Del Cerro.
So long–been super good to know ya!
Bill and Debbie Michelle, Blake and Jackson