Francis Joe Hobart

Sunrise: February 10, 1937

Sunset: August 26, 2013

Fritz was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Charles and Martha Hobart.

Between the ages of 12 to 14, he was a paperboy, he then went to work for Dahls Grocery Store as a carry out boy. In 1942 he moved with his family to Des Moines, Fritz and his brother Gene wanted to move to California, so his parents sold the house and moved in 1954. Once in California, he joined the US Army and became a paratrooper,and was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC from April 1954 until April 1957. Then on to Fort Ord to F.B, N.C. then Fort Campbell Kentucky to Augsberg, Germany for 13 monthes.

After he returned home, he met his wife Joyce in 1957 on Easter day, and they were married November 21, 1959. In December 1958, he began work for GM and was employed with them for 35 years until closing in 1993. He says "the hardest part about working in Van Nuys, for GM the last 5 years was driving home a new Camaro or Firebird each night for testing. After 4 years of retirement he began working for Enterprise Rent-A-Car in 1996 until 2011.

He lived in Simi Valley for 44 years and has lived in Redding for the past 7 years.

He loved Christ and his family and 13 grandchildren, he also enjoyed motorcycles, and CB radio's. He attended Grace Brethern Church and was very faithful member, he was an usher and a sound man until he experienced hearing loss.

The Lord Jesus was his life.

He was known as papa, or grandpa Fritz.

In his later years, he had many health issues, but Fritz always thanked the "Lord" and "Juice Plus" for keeping him going.