Milton L. Hoefle

1922 - 2020

Hoefle, Milton L. 2/19/1922 - 11/23/2020 Ann Arbor, MI Milton L. Hoefle, a longtime resident of Ann Arbor, died on November 23, 2020. He was born in Manhattan, Kansas on February 19, 1922. His Family moved frequently during his early years with stops in New Mexico and southern Illinois where he attended six different grade schools. Milton graduated from the University of Illinois in the spring of 1943 with a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering but fell in love with Organic Chemistry and decided to make research his life work. He obtained a M.S. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Minnesota in 1944 and immediately entered the Navy as an Ensign. He received pre-radar training at Harvard and radar studies at MIT. On February 18, 1945, Milt married Ann Garrigan from Galva Illinois whom he had met at the University of Illinois. Upon discharge from the Navy he returned to the University of Minnesota and obtained his PH. D. in Organic Chemistry in 1949. His first job was at Genral Aniline and Film in Easton, PA. where he made dyes. In 1953 he joined the research staff of Parke Davis and Co. in Detroit. In 1958, the family moved out to Ann Arbor where the new laboratory was built. After a transient childhood, it was nice to settle down and raise his family in Ann Arbor. Although the company name changed to Warner Lambert and finally Pfizer, Milt worked at the Ann Arbor Laboratories until he retired 1986. He was Laboratory Director of Cardiovascular Chemistry for 14 years and very proud of the fact that his group was responsible for developing three major products, namely Lopid, that reduced cholesterol, Quinopril that reduced blood pressure and Lipitor that was made in 1985 and became the biggest selling drug of all time. Milt always felt that he had been very lucky because he loved his job and continued to work at the bench until he retired. But just as important to him was the fact that he and his wife were happy and had successfully raised five children. Since both Milt and Ann were only children they had planned on having a large family. In fact, most of his outside actives originated from family interests. He coached Little League baseball for 7 years. He taught Sunday School and served as deacon and trustee for the Frist Congregational Church of Ann Arbor. Milt also had an interest in sports. He played softball and basketball in Easton. In Ann Arbor, he turned to tennis and taught badminton for 20 years for the Ann Arbor Recreation Department. In addition, Milt and Ann also attended all of the home football and basketball games of the University of Michigan. Milt and Ann were members of Ann Arbor Golf and Outing where they enjoyed playing golf and bridge. Milt was also a member of the U of M Club of Ann Arbor and served as president. In retirement, Milt turned to art. He took classes at Washtenaw Community College and Eastern Michigan University and became an adequate, if not accomplished, painter in pastels and water colors. He had a full and active life and enjoyed it all. He is survived by his children Sheryl of Wilmington, NC; Brian (Barbara) of Prescott, AZ; Patricia of Lexington, KY and Gary of Durham, NC. His wonderful grandchildren are Jennifer of Tucson, AZ; Scott from Flagstaff, AZ and Andrew of Seattle, WA. His wife Ann passed away in 2011 and daughter Diane passed away in 2008. We will all miss Milt's patient manner and jolly laugh. Muehlig Funeral Chapel