Arnold Hof passed away peacefully at home on January 7, 2017, after succumbing to a short illness. Arnie began his life’s journey in Alamosa, Colorado, where he lived with his parents Cornelius and Magdalena Hof until his eighth grade year. Arnold then called Escalon his home town for 67 years. He was a very hard worker, who always wanted to provide for his family. Until the day he passed away, he worked because he didn’t know what to do in retirement. Arnie worked as a truck driver, a butcher, owned a dairy construction business, was an almond grower, and finally bought and sold military surplus. In his high school days Arnie was very active in FFA, winning many awards in animal showmanship as well as industrial arts. He loved learning about parliamentary procedure and won a place on a team that competed nationally in Kansas City. Arnie took classes at MJC after graduation from Escalon High School to grow his love for welding and working with metal. Many dairies he built years ago, continue to be in operation.
When Arnold could find time to relax in his younger years, you would find him sitting in the middle of Lake Tahoe, fishing with his family and friends. Arnold loved to barbeque and would host church groups, family functions, and celebrations. Because he loved to barbeque, he later started a catering barbeque business which is still in operation with family members to this day. Arnold is preceded in death by his parents. He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Mary Lou Hof as well as two daughters, Lenora Gerber (Thomas) and Loretta Anderson (David Sr.). He totally adored his five grandchildren: Andrew Gerber, Charlene Knight, David Anderson, Jr., Daniel Anderson, and Sophia Knight. In addition, Arnold leaves behind his siblings, Jeanette Mullins-Miller, Ardith Lein (David), and Douglas Hof (Melinda), as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. His friends at the local coffee shops were considered his extended family.
A Celebration of Arnie’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on January 21 at the Escalon Christian Reformed Church, 2203 California Ave. In lieu of flowers, Arnold would have wished for you to donate to Escalon Covenant Youth Services, 1155 Escalon Ave., or the Christian Berets, 1317 Oakdale Road, Suite 320, Modesto, 95350 so that his love for Christ can continue to shine in the lives of children.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Jan. 18, 2017