MARTIN CHRISTIAN HOFHEINZ
Martin Christian Hofheinz was living life to the fullest while dancing, hiking, socializing, and driving his car long distances when he was suddenly taken from us on February 27, 2017. He was just shy of his 91st birthday. Marty, as he was known, joined his wife Shirley Mae in heaven. In his early days at 80 years old, Marty snow skied with his eldest son Marty Jr., he hiked almost every single mountain peak in the Kirkwood area with son Corey; at 67 years old he climbed to the top of Mount Whitney with son Ross, and traveled Europe with his son Dirk.
Born to Fredreich and Freida Hofheinz in Westwood, CA, on May 22, 1926, Marty was the eldest of 3 siblings. After enlisting in the Navy in 1943, he began his education at University of California, Berkeley, and finished at University of Colorado Boulder with a Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering. As a Navy officer he was honorably discharged in 1946. Marty married his wife of 62 years, Shirley Mae Stephenson, July 12, 1952 on Treasure Island naval base in San Francisco. Together they lived in Belmont and Woodside, CA, before settling in Stockton, CA, to raise their four sons. Marty was employed by Westinghouse for many years and during his tenure with the company he had the opportunity to travel the world. He often had Shirley join him, and together they explored the world. In 1976 Marty left Westinghouse and ran his own company, H & G Engineering, for a decade before retiring. Marty and Shirley were avid golfers and past members of Woodbridge County Club, Lodi, CA. In their early years of retirement together they drove throughout North America attending numerous golf tournaments. They also enjoyed Dixieland jazz and were past members of jazz dance clubs. They volunteered their time on club boards and held a range of positions such as president and hospitality hostess. Marty was a member of the Stockton and Nevada City Elks. Last year he traveled to Jerusalem, Egypt, Holland, the Caribbean, and in December rang in the New Year on a cruise to Mexico.
Marty is survived by his sons Marty Jr (Mary) Stockton, Corey (the late Helen Anzoni) Tahoe City, Ross (Veronica) Nevada City, and Dirk (Dana) Colfax. His grandchildren miss him dearly: Christopher BeckHofheinz, New Orleans, LA; Hillary, Jake & Becca Hofheinz, Nevada City; and Dominik and Danielle Hofheinz, Colfax.
The family would like to invite all to the memorial service Wednesday, March 22, 1:00pm, at Hooper and Weaver, Grass Valley. A celebration of life will immediately follow at Eskaton Recreation Center, Grass Valley.
Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/ guestbook.