Howard H. Hofmann, 65, of Jackson, California, passed away peacefully at home on September 24, 2026 in the company of his wife and close friends. He is survived by his wife Suzanne L. Hofmann; his loving stepson Kevin Stanley and Kevin’s wife Deanna; his grandson Kai Stanley; and his sister Catherine Hofmann.
Howard was born on October 7, 1960 in San Mateo, California to Lilly H. Jurkschat, originally of Germany, and Donald L. Hofmann of San Francisco. He moved from San Mateo to Williams around 1968, when he was in third grade. He became deeply involved in 4-H, raising hogs and completing electrical projects. A championship swine breeder and showman, he held numerous offices in 4-H and FFA and earned his State FFA Degree.
At Williams High School, Howard participated in football and track all four years while continuing his involvement in 4-H and FFA. As a sophomore, he traveled to Mexico City and back with 40 other 4-H kids – and no one was arrested. He graduated in 1978.
Howard began his college education at Butte College, where he served on the Student Council and was instrumental in organizing the Young Farmers and Ranchers softball team that competed in a tournament in Hawaii. He then transferred to Chico State University – the “Harvard of the West” – where he joined Alpha Gamma Rho, the agricultural fraternity. He held numerous fraternity offices and made lifelong friends. In 1982, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agronomy.
After college, Howard returned to Williams and resumed his job at Caldwell Aviation. Soon afterward, Campbell Soup Company recruited him to help manage its mushroom farm in Soquel. While living in Santa Cruz, he enjoyed fishing with friends on his Boston Whaler.
In 1995, while serving as Operations Manager for Monterey Mushrooms and living in San Juan Bautista, Howard met the love of his life, Suzanne L. Stanley. Howard and Sue married in 2001 and enjoyed 25 happy years together.
In 2005, they moved to the Sacramento Delta after Howard took a job managing a Belgian endive growing facility in Rio Vista. They made their home on a pear farm in Courtland, hosting many pear-picking parties with family and friends. Those gatherings remain fond memories for everyone who joined them.
Howard and Sue moved to Jackson in 2020 after he took a job as Operations Manager for Wilbur-Ellis in Elk Grove. He retired in 2022. Together, they renovated their Jackson home and enjoyed spending time there and in Fort Bragg during the summers.
In retirement, Howard made many friends while volunteering at the Kennedy Gold Mine in Jackson, where he became an invaluable resource. He soon convinced Sue to join him, and together they enjoyed working alongside their friends to preserve the mine’s heritage.
“Howie,” as Sue affectionately called him, was born to work. As a young teen, he was once pulled over for driving without a license. His father had taped blocks of wood to his feet so he could reach the pedals and drive the work trucks to help on the farm.
Howard was an honest man, a good man – the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back. He always made time for people in need. He treated the people he managed well and earned the respect of those who knew him. Above all, he was devoted to his wife and family. He will be dearly missed.