Stephen Charles Hoefer

Taken entirely too soon, Stephen Charles “Steve” Hoefer passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the age of 67. Always quick with a warm smile, an encouraging word, or a well-timed bit of wit, Steve was instrumental in the tremendous success and happiness enjoyed by his family throughout their lives. His protection, warmth, wisdom, and unwavering support will forever be part of their fondest memories. He was comfortable sharing a laugh with friends and family, walking his pup or standing over a putt he was certain should have gone in.

Perhaps his defining quality was his humility, a trait he was especially proud to see reflected in his son Stephen. Steve rarely sought recognition for himself. Instead, his instinct was to elevate others, encourage their ambitions, and help them become more than they believed possible.

Steve was born in New York City on September 2, 1958, to Charles Henry Hoefer and Beverly Arlene Bersing Hoefer. He was raised throughout the Northeast and Midwest, moving 14 times during his life before making what he promised would be his final move to Reynolds Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Georgia. In his final home he was surrounded by dear friends and familiar joys, finding the place where he and Bursley put down lasting roots.

Even as a boy, there were hints of the life ahead. Steve participated in Boy Scouts, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He developed a fascination with flight and space, launching model rockets in the streets of his neighborhood and later earned his private pilot’s license. He attended Washington High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota lettering in multiple sports and earning several scholarships which included studying in Germany multiple summers. Steve received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. When imperfect eyesight meant that becoming an Air Force pilot would not be possible, he chose another path toward the sky, attending the University of Minnesota, where he earned a BS in Aerospace Engineering & Mechanics, was on the Dean’s List and later earned an MS in Finance.

Days after graduation, Steve moved to Houston and began a career in the American space program with McDonnell Douglas and later Rockwell International. At NASA’s Johnson Space Center, he served as a Flight Activity Officer and Manager of Flight Planning, training astronauts and supporting Space Shuttle missions. This was the beginning of a remarkable career devoted to some of the most ambitious technological endeavors of his generation. Deeply respected but never one to seek the spotlight, Steve found recognition somewhat embarrassing. That made it especially memorable and entirely appropriate when the astronauts aboard Space Shuttle Discovery, STS-41-D, sang “Happy Birthday” to him from space.

Steve later joined Booz Allen and moved to Virginia to work at NASA’s International Space Station Program Office His career subsequently took the family to Montreal, Quebec, where Steve was asked to help establish and lead the new Canadian Space Agency Mission Control Center supporting the International Space Station.

After helping advance human spaceflight, Steve brought the same curiosity, analytical mind, leadership, and forward-looking vision to new challenges. His career expanded into the transportation and utility industries where he advised organizations navigating complex technological change. His work eventually included leadership and Director roles with Utilligent and Guidehouse. He also served as an Advisor to Activated, Inc., lending his deep systems experience and judgment to the company’s earliest work.

Most importantly, while coaching a youth running club in Houston, Steve met the love of his life, Bursley, who taught him how to embrace all things southern. They married and shared more than 40 years together, building a life filled with family, friendship, travel, laughter, faith, and countless adventures. It was during their years in Canada that Steve and Bursley welcomed their son, Stephen Charles Hoefer, Jr. Stephen was Steve’s pride and joy, greatest accomplishment, favorite golfing companion, and best friend. Of all the extraordinary experiences Steve had, nothing meant more to him than his life with Bursley and becoming Stephen’s father.

Away from work Steve loved golf, both at home and around the world, most memorably those trips shared with Stephen. He enjoyed hiking, traveling and mentoring young people through a variety of organizations. He treasured good conversation, friendly competition, laughter, and the simple pleasure of time spent with people he loved.

Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Bursley Britton Bishop of Greensboro, Georgia; his adored son, Stephen Charles Hoefer, Jr. of Dallas, Texas; his sister-in-law, Lee Bishop Bruebach (Steve) of Naperville, Illinois; brothers-in-law Alan Eidem of Hendricks, Minnesota and Murray Bishop (Amy) of Killen, Alabama; nieces Anne Lee Bruebach and Laura Ramirez; and nephews Michael Sullivan Bruebach, Max Lewis Gayden, Robert Bishop, Henry Bishop, and Kyle Eidem.

Preceding Steve in eternal life were his parents, Charles Henry Hoefer and Beverly Arlene Bersing Hoefer; his sister, Carol Hoefer Eidem; and his in-laws, Robert Murray Bishop, Jr. and Helen Anne Lee Bishop.

A Memorial Mass celebrating Steve’s life will be held at Our Lady of Dallas Cistercian Abbey in Irving, Texas, on September 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Paul McCormick Officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas - Lantana Room. Interment will be held privately at Sparkman/Hillcrest Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Cistercian Preparatory School, Irving Texas or The Victory Train, Greensboro, Georgia honoring Steve’s commitment to developing young people and his lifelong belief in seeing the potential in others.

Steve will be deeply missed by the many people with whom he shared life’s journeys and by all who loved him. His family takes comfort in the promise of eternal life and in knowing that he is at peace in the presence of God.