Fred Hockenberger Jr.

1933 - 2024

Fred Hockenberger, Jr.

Fred Hockenberger, Jr., age 90, formerly of Point Place and Groveport, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024, after spending Saturday afternoon with his family telling stories, one of his favorite things to do. Fred was born April 4, 1933, to the late Fred and Evelyn Hockenberger, in Toledo, Ohio.

As an adolescent, Fred helped his dad build a log cabin in Groveport, Ohio, where his family moved after grade school. He attended The Ohio State University and The College of William and Mary, serving later in the United States Navy, Korea, aboard the U.S.S. Aeolus where he ran the Captain's Office. He married Marilee Kneip, the love of his life in 1957, having met her on a blind date while she was in nursing school. Upon discharge from the Navy, he expanded the various family businesses to include Hockenberger Diamonds, Pool Table City, Professional Liquidators and The House of Golf. He was very proud of being selected the #1 Golf Retailor in the United States in 1965. Never one to sit still, Fred loved the challenge of the various businesses. As a liquidator, he could sell anything from tulip bulbs still in the ground, surplus blood lockers from World War II to hundreds of thousands of mood rings (which his children reluctantly assembled).

Fred loved life. He loved his wife, his family, his friends, business associates and any dogs that crossed his path. Fred could to talk to anyone about anything. He encouraged everyone to have fun in life, making sure his house would be a fun house for kids and dogs. Always up for an adventure, Fred had millions of stories to tell. He remembered things in incredible detail. As a young boy, his dad and friend each gave him 50 silver dollars to memorize Rudyard Kipling's poem, "IF," with principles to guide him, his family and friends throughout his life. Fred would want everyone to remember to be sure to have fun.

Fred is survived by his children, daughters Tami (Ken) Lynch and Karla (Osvaldo) Pino; his son, Brian (Courtney) Hockenberger; his grandchildren, Andrew (Mackenzie) Lynch, Erin Lynch, Michael Pino; brother and sister-in-law, Jim Hockenberger and Julie Tedrow; his sister-in-law, Sharon Brown; several nieces and nephews; along with adopted family members, Laurie Collins, Sharon Tarlow and Jeff Schmader. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilee; brother-in-law, Jim Brown; along with his parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Irene and Fred Kneip.

The family would like to thank the staff of Visiting Angels, Caretenders, Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Arbors of Sylvania and the Veteran's Health Administration for the care and many services they provided.

Per Fred's wishes, he was cremated and requested that there be no visitation. Those wishing to honor Fred's memory may direct donations to: Big Dog Ranch Rescue, 14444 Okeechobee Blvd, Loxahatchee Groves, FL 33470.

Arrangements were entrusted to Walter Funeral Home, 4653 Glendale Avenue, Toledo, Ohio.

walterfuneralhome.com