Dr. Lothar O. "Bud" Hoeft

Hoeft, Dr. Lothar O. Dr. Lothar “Bud” Hoeft died April 26, 2015 in Albuquerque, NM, following complications of pneumonia. He was 83. Bud was born on September 17, 1931 in Antigo, WI to Otto and Ella Hoeft. Bud’s career in government service began after his entry into the United States Air Force following receipt of his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1953. He received his Master’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1954, and a Ph.D. Degree from the Pennsylvania State University in 1961. He married Mary Elizabeth Knese in 1955, and they were blessed with four children. During his service with the Air Force, the Hoefts lived in Dayton, OH; Bellefonte, PA; Montgomery, AL; Albuquerque; NM and London, England--finally settling in Albuquerque. Following Mary’s death, he married Eunice Cochran who has been a devoted wife and friend in his later years. During the twenty five years he served on active duty in the Air Force, he made significant contributions to research and development with the Air Force European Office of Aerospace Research and Development and the USAF Weapons Laboratory where he was the Chief of Simulation and Laboratory Support and, subsequently, the Scientific and Technical Coordinator of the Chief Scientist’s Office. After his retirement from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel, he was a Senior Scientist with BDM International and worked as a private consultant in the area of electromagnetic effects. Bud’s work influenced the development of more effective cable and connector shielding and influenced the manner in which the Air Force monitors the shielding of aircraft. He was a prolific author of technical papers related to his work and an active member of various professional societies including the IEEE EMC Society, which recognized him as an Honorary Life Member in 2005 and a Society Fellow in 2008. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary; and his son, Paul. He is survived by his wife, Eunice; his son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Cathy Hoeft of Santa Clara, CA; his son and daughter-in-law, John and Barbara Hoeft, of Alexandria, VA; daughter and son-in-law, Christine and Sean McCarthy of Alexandria, VA; step-son, Andy Cochran of Olympia, WA; and grandchildren, Joseph, Mary Catherine, Christopher, Jack, Will and Maggie. Bud was a wonderful father and husband, great friend, hard worker and kind soul who made the world a better place because of his generosity and spirit. His love of life, music, science, travel, history and nature helped the rest of us appreciate the beauty in the world. He knew Jesus as his savior and was sure of Heaven. A viewing will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at FRENCH - University. A funeral service will take place on Monday, May 4, 2015, at 10:30 a.m., at Christ Lutheran Church, 7701 Candelaria Rd NE. Bud will be buried at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2015. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bud’s life. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Christ Lutheran Church Renovation Program or Doctors Without Borders. Please visit our online guest book for Bud at www.FrenchFunerals.com. FRENCH - University 1111 University Blvd. NE (505) 843-6333