Frederick William Hoef

He was born in Flint, Michigan, June 6,1955, to the late Charles Hoef and Susan (nee McCalla) Hoef.

He married Terese (Terri) Klarich November 17,1979 at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Granite City, IL.

Fred demonstrated exceptional talent as a wrestler at Bently High School earning him the title of State Champion his senior year, and also achieved national recognition by being selected for the prestigious

All-American High School Wresting honor. This opened the door to a 4-year wrestling scholarship at SIU-Carbondale in Illinois. This is also where Fred began his military career by joining the ROTC program and attaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1977.

After graduation, Fred was commissioned through the ROTC program into the United States Air Force as a 2ndt Lieutenant. His first assignment was at Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan as the OIC of the Motor Pool. While stationed at Wurtsmith AFB, he was given a 1- year remote assignment to Thule, Greenland where he supervised the Danes by monitoring their performance contracts. Fred had a talent for art and woodworking. Since there were few activities in Thule, he spent much of his time at the hobby shop creating many ceramic gifts for family and friends. Fred’s next assignment was at Hill AFB, Utah where he supervised the Motor Pool and later was assigned to the Supply Squadron. The follow-on assignment from Utah was to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska where he transitioned to the Aerial Port Squadron. This was his favorite tour of duty. He loved loading cargo on the planes and travelling with the crew, but his substantial joy came from being in the mountains and wilderness hunting and fishing. McChord AFB, Washington was his next assignment, again in the Aerial Port Squadron. Here he strategically loaded the planes and many times accompanied the crew on their world-wide missions. His final tour of duty was at Scott AFB, IL. He retired as a Major in the Air Mobility Tanker Airlift Control Center (TACC) with a Master’s Degree in Business. Throughout his military service years, Fred fully supported Air Mobility Command’s Global Reach transportation objectives.

After his military retirement, Fred transitioned into teaching Industrial Arts classes at Belleville West and Belleville East High Schools. He enjoyed teaching woodworking, welding and building storage sheds with the students. Even after retiring from the public school system, he had a loyal following of students.

Fred was an avid outdoorsman, a survivalist who loved to hunt, fish and just be outside enjoying nature. He always looked forward to his hunting trips with his friends. His one special buddy was his beloved dog, Major, who accompanied him everywhere. They were truly man’s best friends for each other for 13 years.

Fred enjoyed sports and spent many years following his boys to numerous sporting events even into their college years. It gave him great joy watching them participate in all their activities.

Over the years, many of Fred’s acquaintances have become life-long close friends. He remained close to friends he grew up with in Michigan. He valued all of their friendships. He was witty and could really embellish a story. He will forever be missed, but he gave us a plethora of wonderful memories to cherish.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Charles (Chuck) Hoef, grandparents Jack and Elaine Dechmann and W. Ruel and Leona McCalla.

Surviving are Terri, his sons Kenneth Hoef and Kevin Hoef, sister Cheryl (Keith) Arbuckle, and sister-in-law Renee Hoef.

SERVICES: Gathering of Friends and Family will take place from 10am until time of service at 12pm on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at Hoffmeister South County Chapel, 1515 Lemay Ferry Road, Lemay,MO

Interment with Military Honors will follow in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

Those wishing to send flowers may do so through Walter Knoll Florists at wkf.com or your favorite florist. Please ask for flowers to be delivered by 8:30am on the day of the service

Livestreaming is offered through Facebook by following Hoffmeister South County Chapel. Please be aware that the feed will be muted during music per copyright laws.