William C. Hoefs, 99, died Nov. 9, 2016, at Pine Haven Christian Home, Sheboygan Falls. He was born March 3, 1917, in Mukwonago, to Otto B. Hoefs and Antonia Wedel Hoefs.
He graduated in 1935 from the high school in Rochester, Wisconsin.
He married Marion Box on April 25, 1942, and they lived in East Troy, for the entire 65 years of their marriage.
Following high school Bill worked for several years at Johnson Motor Co. in Waukegan, Ill., where he learned the machinist trade. He started work at Trent Tube Company in East Troy in 1941 as a tool and die maker.
Through additional courses he advanced to a position in mechanical and project engineering, specializing in new machine installation and start-up. This led to many years of traveling to California, Georgia, and the Netherlands. Bill retired in 1982 after 41 years at Trent Tube.
A long-time member of St. James United Methodist Church, East Troy, Bill held several positions including chairman of the administrative board, chairman of finance, and chairman of trustees. For many years he held a position on the East Troy Village Plan Commission and Architectural Board of Review.
Bill had many interests in life including nature, landscaping, gardening, conservation, and traveling. He was very appreciative of the beauty of the earth, and he and Marion traveled extensively in this country and in Europe.
Marion died on May 20, 2007, and in 2008 Bill moved to Prairie Crossing Assisted Living in Sheboygan Falls to be closer to his daughter Deborah.
Survivors include his daughter, Deborah Hoefs (James Kreger), Howards Grove, Wisconsin; sister, Roberta Micketts, St. Louis, Miss.; sister-in-law, Loraine Box, Waterford; nephew, nieces and other relatives and friends.
He was further preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Joseph Micketts and Donald Box, and other relatives and many friends.
A memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at St. James United Methodist Church, 2945 Main St., East Troy. The Rev. Sue Leih will officiate. Visitation for family and friends will from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
A memorial fund has been established in Bill’s name.
The family extends their sincere thanks to the staff at Prairie Crossing, Dr. Lynds and his staff, and the team at Compassus for the care and compassion given to Bill.
Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Services, Mukwonago, is assisting the family.
