John Hoefel Ritzville, Wash.

Wed., May 13, 1998

John (Johann) Hoefel celebrates his 100th birthday today.

Hoefel was born in BasyerJamka, Russia, on May 13, 1898. His family immigrated to America in November 1901 and settled on a homestead west of Ritzville the next month.

He attended school in Adams County School District. In 1916, he moved to Ritzville, where he was a mechanic for the Ritzville Motor Co. In 1955, he leased a farm near Washtucna, Wash. After his retirement in 1970, he returned to Ritzville, where he still lives.

Hoefel loved to hunt and fish and play baseball.

He is also a former member of the Lions Club, and served as the Ritzville fire chief for three years.

He attributes his long life to “good stock” - and being a bachelor all his life.

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John Hoefel Ritzville, Wash.

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