John William Hoeft

1944 - 2025

John William Hoeft
October 29, 1944 - September 7, 2025
John W. Hoeft, age 80, passed away on September 7, 2025 in Santa Rosa. He was born in Eureka on October 29, 1944, a son of John and Beatrice Hoeft. He was a graduate of Montgomery High School in 1962, then went on to study at Santa Rosa Junior College and Washington State University. John was a ROTC graduate commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. He served his country in the Army Reserve as a Medical Technologist, serving for 20 years at the US Army Reserve Unit 6253rd 1000 Bed Hospital Unit, eventually retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. John worked as a Clinical Lab Scientist and Microbiology Supervisor for over 40 years.
In addition to many military honors, John was a certified SCUBA diver, was a member of the Block "M" Society for Track and JV Basketball. He was a member of the California Association of Medical Technicians, the American Society of Microbiology, the American Society of Clinical Pathology and Medical Technology, Rincon Valley Youth and Young Adult Soccer, Rincon Valley Little League Baseball, and was a Den Leader for Cub and Boy Scouts.
John was very interested in family genealogy. He was able to learn the history of his family on both sides. He discovered that he had Irish, Scottish, German and Hungarian lineage. He was able to trace back to his pioneering family in Humboldt County and learned that his maternal great grandfather founded the town of Shively, California.
He was a practical joker and a collector. He was enthusiastic, interested and kind to the young people that drew interest in soccer, baseball and scouting. These were things he missed as a youth growing up in Santa Rosa in the 50's and 60's.
John is survived by his wife of 44 years, Marti (Kostriken) Hoeft, Santa Rosa; sons Phil (Emily) Hoeft and Jeremey Hoeft and was awaiting the birth of twin grandchildren due in February. He is also survived by nine first cousins, all in the Bay Area. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Daniels Chapel of the Roses (1225 Sonoma Ave, Santa Rosa, CA.)
Memorial Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Society, the Humane Society, or a charity of your choice.