WILLIAM FRED STOFFEL
Nov. 8, 1928 - July 31, 2012
William Stoffel, devoted, loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law and avid fisherman passed away Tuesday, July 31 at the age of 83.
He was born November 8, 1928 in Empire Canal Zone, Panama. William always had interesting and exciting stories to tell of his travels around the world serving as a Merchant Marine and traveling on foreign ships during the Korean War. He was one of 12 sailors that survived on a lifeboat out at sea for 5 days, after the Norwegian S.S. "Florentine", one of the ships he was working on, was sunk on February 21, 1951.
He was a very strong willed and determined person, who was an inspiration to all who surrounded him. William never missed an opportunity to provide wise words of advice to encourage and inspire his kids and grandkids to continue achieving happiness and success. As he advised, he always had a personal story to back up his words of wisdom. There will be a million times we will need his caring and wise advice, and with this, there will be at least a million times we cry, mourning his loss.
William was preceded in death by his father, William Alexander Stoffel and mother, Maria del Carmen Azenig Stoffel. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Josefina Linares de Stoffel; sons, Alexander Stoffel and his wife, Sandra, and Juan G. Stoffel; step-daughter, Maria E. Negrete; 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Visitation is scheduled for Monday, August 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Hems Chapel in El Centro. Rosary will be said at 7 p.m.
Mass will commence at 9 a.m. Tuesday morning at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church with Father Moreno officiating.
