Edward James Hoffknecht

Born into a farming family in Merced County, Ed was a tribute to the agricultural community of California. He grew up assisting his father in rice farming and from him, began learning the mastery of mechanics, welding, irrigating and surveying. Edward was a graduate of Our Lady of Mercy Central Catholic High School in 1968. He later excelled at agricultural classes at Merced College and Fresno State University, where he earned degrees in agriculture and ag mechanics. Ed met his precious and devoted wife, Rita Bandoni, during college days. She was also from a farming family in Merced. They were married for 42 happy years, working and raising three beautiful daughters in Fresno. Ed had various jobs in the field of agriculture. He was currently a pest control advisor with Performance Agriculture in Kerman. He was an active member of the Kerman Lions Club for over 25 years. Edward was a life-long Catholic and practiced his faith daily. His faith still manifests in his wonderful family. He leaves behind his loving wife Rita, daughters Angela Hoffknecht, Sarah Lapietra (Joseph) and Erica Hoffknecht, grandsons Dominic Hoffknecht, Gianni Lapietra and Matteo Lapietra, all of Fresno. He also leaves two sisters, Carmen Oldano (Rick) of Menlo Park and Christina Hoffknecht of Seaside. He is preceded in death by his parents William and Mary Hoffknecht, brothers Eric Hoffknecht (Jill), William J. Hoffknecht (Jannie) and Frederick Hoffknecht. Also preceding him were his sisters Helen Beegle and Rosemarie Slockbower (Michael). Ed leaves behind his beloved aunts Hilda Freeman (Rex) of Merced and Ruth Herdman of Fresno. Many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws will mourn his passing. His close Hughes cousins were his first and best friends growing up in the countryside of Merced. No fish, frog or crawdad escaped their exploits during summer vacations. Ed was not just dedicated to his immediate family; he acted as patriarch of the Hoffknecht family after his parents passed away. His love, generosity and devotion were always on display at family gatherings. Remembrances to American Cancer Society