Herman L. Hoeh
1928-2004

By Thomas C. Hanson

PASADENA—Herman L. Hoeh, 75, a minister in the Worldwide Church of God for more than 50 years who held various positions in the church and Ambassador College, died at his home in Tujunga, California, Sunday, Nov. 21.

Announcement from
Joseph Tkach

Pastor General Joseph Tkach made the following announcement to WCG ministers and members: “Dr. Hoeh was a great inspiration to so many of us, a humble and generous man who spanned the history of the Worldwide Church of God from the opening of Ambassador College to the momentous transformation in the 1990s.

“Dr. Hoeh never ceased to provide encouragement and strength to all who knew him through his faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer of the church.

“Although he was retired for the past several years, Dr. Hoeh continued to serve on the church board of directors, faithfully offering his wisdom and insight in every meeting, including the most recent meeting of the board only three days before his death. It is hard to realize that the pleasant good-bye he gave fellow board members that day would be his last—until we all meet again at Jesus’ feet.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Isabell and the entire Hoeh family at this time of loss and grief. We will miss you, Dr. Hoeh.”

News of Dr. Hoeh’s passing

Dr. and Mrs. Hoeh attended the West Valley congregation in Chatsworth, pastored by Rand Holm, for whom Dr. Hoeh often expressed his highest regard.

Pastor Rand Holm leads memorial
service. [Photos by Thomas C. Hanson]

Holm sent the following announcement late Sunday, Nov. 21:

“Dr. Herman Hoeh passed away early this morning. He had evidently been up early and out in his yard enjoying his trees and garden. Mrs. Hoeh found him in their kitchen. The paramedics pronounced him deceased of natural causes. It seems evident that he passed away peacefully doing the things he loved up until his last moments.

“As you might expect, Mrs. Hoeh is in a bit of shock as she comes to terms with the loss of her husband of 52 years. When I got to their home this morning she was filled with both wonderful memories and the grief of her loss. She is not alone though. Her faith in Jesus is strong, and her husband has become a part of her life that will never fade.

Son Manfred Hoeh thanks
those who gave eulogies.

“I would request your prayers for the whole family, especially Mrs. Hoeh, and also for our congregation and denomination as we say a temporary good-bye to someone who had become a global figure and beloved friend.

“Mrs. Hoeh asked me to thank everyone for their precious prayers for her. She appreciates them all, every one. You may send cards to Isabell Hoeh at 10530 Commerce Ave., Tujunga, California, 91042-1539.”

Pastor Holm conducted a memorial service Nov. 27 at the West Valley Christian Center in Chatsworth, where the WCG congregation meets.

From left: Isabell Hoeh, her daughter, Karline
Ellis, and son-in-law, Bryant.

The service included eulogies from Christina Kuo Graham, Curtis May, John Hopkinson, Gene Hogberg, Ronald Kelly, representatives from the Wat Thai Temple, Giorgio Buccellati, Denise Parker, Carlton Green and Jack Kessler. The Lemoto family from Tonga sang a traditional funeral farewell.

Gilda Brockmeier, one of Dr. Hoeh’s daughters,
plays the piano at the memorial service.

The congregation sang two hymns, “Onward Christian Soldiers” and “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken,” both accompanied on the piano by Gilda Hoeh Brockmeier, a daughter of Dr. Hoeh. William Kessler played a prelude.

Dr. Hoeh’s son, Manfred, thanked those giving eulogies for their words of praise for his father and comfort for the Hoeh family.

Biographical details

Herman Hoeh was born Dec. 3, 1928 in Santa Rosa, California. He was one of the first students to attend Ambassador College in Pasadena when it opened in 1947. He was the first male graduate at the college’s first commencement exercises in 1951.

He was baptized in 1948 and ordained into the ministry in 1952. He married Isabell Kunkel in October 1953. She graduated from Ambassador in 1955.

Dr. Hoeh is survived by his wife, Isabell; children Karline Ellis, her husband, Bryant, and their children Kimberly, Alexander, Cary and Erin; Anneliese Roemer, her husband, Bryan, and their daughter, Aliese; Manfred, his wife, Marjorie, and their children, Alerik and Kyna; and Gilda Brockmeier, her husband, Chip, and their children, Robert and John.

From Joseph Tkach

Following is the text of a letter that Dr. Tkach and his wife, Tammy, sent to Mrs. Hoeh:

“Dear Isabell:

“Please accept Tammy’s and my personal condolence on the passing away of Herman early Sunday morning. I also wanted to take this opportunity to express the sincere sympathy and concern of all our church staff members, many of whom worked with and knew him for years and decades. 

“Those who knew Herman personally have spoken of his concern for them that he showed through his words, encouragement and help, often in the simple things of life. One church employee described how he as a poor, young Ambassador student was driven by Herman to a local men’s shop where he purchased two suits for him out of his own pocket. That was a typical example of Herman’s generous and caring way.

“I would be remiss if I didn’t recall Herman’s decades of faith-ful service to the church in such -diverse ways. For years he was a teacher at Ambassador, a church pastor and an emissary of the church to accomplished people in politics, religion and science. Even in his retirement Herman continued to actively serve on the church board of directors. We will always remember his gentlemanly presence and love for each of us.

“I know you and your children will cherish wonderful memories of Herman as a caring and loving husband, father and grandfather. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss and grief.

“I’m confident God is comforting and strengthening you through his Spirit. We thank our heavenly Father for the expectation we have in his Son, our Lord and Savior, to whom we look with hope and the assurance of his promise.”

Dr. Tkach elsewhere noted how Dr. Hoeh “would always take the time to help people both in physical service and in better understanding doctrine. It was wonderful to see him help several people learn the validity and the doctrine of the Trinity. Even last week, he and his wife did their regular routine of helping a visually impaired lady get to church services.”

Eulogy from members of Wat Thai temple.

A good and kind man

Pastor Holm wrote the following: “The last time I saw Dr. Hoeh was 17 hours before he passed away. He was sitting at a table honoring his wife and helping to feed Adrienne Christen, an elderly, frail woman who is nearly blind.

“For many years Dr. and Mrs. Hoeh have been seeing to Adrienne’s welfare—driving her to church from the nursing home, overseeing her affairs, holding her arm to steady her as they slowly walked into church, shepherding her through the service and fellowship, seeing to it that she ate properly, feeding her when necessary.

“Dr. Hoeh held many important responsibilities in his 50 plus years of service to Jesus and our church.  I realize the implications of daring to speak for him. But I will this one time since I am his pastor. Dr. Hoeh would have said: ‘This is the most important job I ever had in the body of Christ.’ 

“Jesus said: ‘Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.’ Dr. Hoeh was doing exactly that until the day the Lord came for him.”

Members of the Lemoto family sing a traditional
Tongan funeral farewell.

Tributes

Mike Feazell, national publications director: There is so much I could say about Dr. Hoeh and his impact on my life. I have never known him to lack an encouraging word and a kind smile. He looked for the good in people instead of the bad, and treated people with a respect and dignity uncommon in our world.

I knew him as generous, considerate, insightful, humble, wise, intelligent and always available to anyone. He enriched those who spent time with him, and was the rare kind of person who is impossible to forget after once meeting. His passing leaves a hole that cannot be filled until that day in Christ when we see him again with all the saints.

Paul Smith, Big Sandy, Texas: Dr. Hoeh performed the wedding ceremony for Freia and me more than 50 years ago.

He and I were roommates at Ambassador at one time. I remember when we started speech class, and Herman practiced his first speech on me. Believe it or not, his knees shook, and he could hardly speak. He grew and became Dr. Hoeh—an intellectual giant who was a thoughtful, kind, stabilizing influence on our denomination as we journeyed from legalism to real new covenant Christianity.

Bernie Schnippert, church treasurer: Dr. Hoeh was an outstanding example of what it means to be a Christian. He loved all people and all peoples, and used this love and his interest in people to further the church’s mission in the United States and overseas.

Furthermore, although he was highly intelligent and had keen insight into people, their motivations and their character, he was nonetheless at the same time the most accepting and non-judgmental and non-critical person I have ever met.

Even when he had to insert into a discussion some negative information about someone because it was his job as their boss or because he was a board member, he said the negative information with positive language about their other characteristics.

Likewise, the stories about his service to others and his lack of materialism are legendary and have been told again and again with admiration by many, including myself. Certainly he set a wonderful example and will be sorely missed. Utterly unique and lovable in every way, there simply will never again be another person like Herman L. Hoeh.

Ronald Kelly, church controller: Few people have had more impact on my life than Herman Hoeh. He was my German, history and theology professor. But the most important influence he had was his warm and caring advice when I was a senior in college. I was uncertain about my romantic feelings toward the woman who was to become my wife.

He asked me: “Ron, whom do you turn to when you need a friend?” My answer, “Norva Lee [Pyle].” He then asked, “Whom do you turn to when you are feeling down and need picking up?” My answer, “Norva Lee.” He continued, “And whom do you turn to when you need a shoulder to cry on?” Again I answered, “Norva Lee.” The next question was obvious, “Then with whom should you spend the rest of your life?” The question didn’t really need an answer, it was without a doubt, “Norva Lee.”

We just celebrated 44 years of wonderful married life. We are each other’s best friend, confidante and counselor. Without Dr. Hoeh’s wise questioning, I don’t know how this would have all turned out. But for the way it turned out, I owe him a great debt of gratitude. 

Norman Smith, Vancouver, Washington: Herman Hoeh was a concerned, caring, loyal friend. I spent many hours with him. There was mutual respect between us. He inspired, encouraged and perhaps sometimes tolerated me as we were in the classroom and on a several weeks baptizing tour together.

I saw firsthand his concern for the people we counseled. His heart was right. Out of the abundance of that good heart he made good decisions and performed good works. I wonder if his only regret as he was leaving was that he wanted the rest of us to go first. Then I think he may be holding the door for us when we join him. I cherish his memory and pray that Christ in me will encourage me to give of myself as Herman did.

Dexter and Shirley Faulkner, Sunland, California: Our association with Herman Hoeh goes back to the late 1950s. He was our pastor in Fresno, California. He also was our instructor at Ambassador College.

Dr. Hoeh and I worked together in Editorial and traveled overseas on publishing business.

We also for 30 years lived in the same neighborhood. Our children went to school with his children. We many times have felt the closeness of extended family through his kindness, example and warmth.

We shared gardening and God’s creation as a hobby. Many times he would telephone us and ask us to come over and see or photograph his and Mrs. Hoeh’s latest cactus blossom or acquisition of a rare plant. They have always been a quiet inspiration.

We’ve always felt that he exemplified a true Christian 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He lived the scripture in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, where Paul exhorts us to become all things to all men.

Christina Kuo Graham, Renton, Washington, former Editorial Services employee: With Dr. Hoeh’s passing, people have said, “Dr. Hoeh is in a better place.” In my judgment, Dr. Hoeh has always been in that place. More than any individual, he epitomized living eternity here on earth. He made every decision with this reality in mind.

Greg AIbrecht: Those who knew Herman Hoeh will remember him as a kind, generous, thoughtful and compassionate man. He loved the world of books as well as the great outdoors. He was just at home in the ivory towers of academia as he was working the soil of his garden. He cared for those in need—the poor, the disenfranchised and the disadvantaged. He was one of those one-of-a-kind people, and he will be missed.

Mike Morrison, WCG editorial director: Dr. Hoeh was a role model for me—willing to combine faith with scholarship, confidence, humility, tact and peace. He was not afraid to be different, not afraid to be with different peoples. He spoke well, wrote well, asked great questions and was a great editor.

Sheila Graham, Lake Kiowa, Texas, former editor: As is often common to those of high intelligence, Dr. Hoeh was extremely witty. One day as he passed our receptionist, he remarked: “My wife and I were just discussing you last evening, and we are of the same opinion.” Then, with a hint of a smile, he left our bewildered receptionist to do as many of us did over the years, to ponder what he meant.

John Halford, Versailles, Indiana, former regional director for Europe: I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Herman Hoeh. I had known him for nearly 40 years, first as a teacher, and later as a friend and colleague.

I had the opportunity to work closely with him on the PT and also on various projects in Asia. Together we visited Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, China, Hong Kong and even Bhutan. Travel with Dr. Hoeh was always interesting—we shared a curiosity and sense of adventure, and he was never afraid to travel off the beaten track.

Asian people seemed to have a special affinity for Herman Hoeh. I think it was his sincerity and simplicity. Characteristics that might sometimes seem eccentric in the Western context were recognized and valued as signs of goodness and spirituality. I was always impressed with his remarkable ability to relate with Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus on their terms, yet never compromising his own Christian values.

Perhaps our most memorable joint venture was the ACEPT program in Thailand, in which we coordinated sending Ambassador College students to the Thai-Laotian border to help prepare Hill Tribe refugees for life in the United States. On one occasion, a student asked him to sum up in simple terms what they were supposed to accomplish.

Dr. Hoeh replied, thoughtfully: “Just show them by what you do what Christianity should have been like. That sums it up.” 

I think it sums him up too.   

Randal Dick, superintendent of missions: They say that you can tell the true measure of an important man, not by how he relates to his peers and superiors, but how he relates to those below him.

I was 16 years old, and we were living in Jerusalem. Dr. Hoeh and some other church executives had come to Israel for high level meetings. One night officials of the Palestine Archaeological Society and the State of Israel hosted a banquet in our honor.

Everyone, including my parents, was bustling about making preparations for the occasion, except me. I was propped up in my bed, sick with a severe ear infection.  That’s OK, because, as a kid, I wasn’t invited anyway.

I could hear conversation as the group was about to depart. When all got quiet in the house, the door to my bedroom opened, and in came Dr. Hoeh. He said something vague about being tired himself and not feeling up to a banquet.  He didn’t seem tired to me. He sat on the edge of my bed and for the next several hours he talked to me about many things, archaeology being chief among them. He disappeared into his luggage and returned with a big grin and an armful of ancient pots and sherds. 

That night I learned about the various Bronze ages, the Iron Age, the Phoenician sea peoples—and most of all I learned about Dr. Hoeh.

When my folks returned home, late in the evening, they found us sitting together at the kitchen table over a bowl of leftover lentils and some smelly sheep cheese. I still like smelly sheep cheese to this day.

I also know that was the measure of the man, Herman Hoeh.  I saw part of him as a boy that remained until his last breath, and will be a part of his eternity. 

Rod and Ruth Matthews, mission developer, Australia: We have lost a unique and eminent man who is a significant part of our collective heritage.

Dr. Hoeh successfully bridged so many years of change in the world and in our fellowship. In doing so he was a great reassurance and an anchor to thousands of members.

Who will forget his teaching and contribution to our publications over the years? We enjoyed and valued his practical and sometimes unusual but thought-provoking perspectives.

I know many who were personal recipients of his exceptional generosity and care. He demonstrated with great effectiveness how to enhance the lives of individuals and reflect the living Christ across cultural boundaries. Especially in Thailand he was greatly loved and respected, and his connections with and love for the Thai people will never be forgotten.

An era is closing and we are deeply sobered by his death. May God bless and comfort Isabell and all his family in their personal loss and the adjustment they will face in the months to come.

Chogait Garmolgomut and church family, Chiang Mai, Thailand: Dr. Hoeh was like a father to me who could basically foresee my future and supported and believed in me when hardly anybody else did.

Because of his trust in the Lord, I am successful today as a professional and a missionary to my own country. His life has caused us to be running five language, computer and tutoring schools in the north and still expanding with more than 1,000 students a term.

He had encouraged me to keep on doing God’s work as well as to succeed in my profession. Our ministry has witnessed to hundreds and thousands of Thai people in the north and is still spreading. We have at least 50 people attending our weekly services.

We certainly owe a lot to him. The Thai community, my family and I have been grateful for such a man of God. My deepest condolences to his family, especially to Mrs. Hoeh. He will not be forgotten and will be talked about as a man of love, generosity and vision.

 Santiago Lange, national director, Germany and Austria: It is with sadness that we acknowledge here in Germany and Austria the passing away of Dr. Herman Hoeh. It is no exaggeration to say that with him the WCG has lost one of its greatest figures. A true giant. Honor to whom honor is due. Our memories of Dr. Hoeh will live on.

In all my years as a member of our denomination I have personally admired and cherished Dr. Hoeh for his love, sincere humility and proven loyalty to Christ’s church.Dr. Hoeh was always accessible and unpretentious, a wonderful example to all who had the privilege to have known him. He could relate to both young and old. We will sorely miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. We are comforted by the understanding that Herman is now safely and eternally resting in Christ.

Curtis May, Office of Reconciliation Ministries: My wife, Jannice, and I would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Hoeh family during their time of grief and loss. May God bless and strengthen them.

It is difficult to know where to begin in trying to give a tribute to Dr. Hoeh. He lived such a rich, exciting and godly life.

He seems to have known no boundaries when it came to associating with people.

I first met him around 1965 and have been profoundly affected by his life in my walk as a Christian. I owe a great debt of gratitude to him and his wife Isabell for being such a fine example to follow.

As one who works in the ministry of reconciliation I view him as a model of what the ministry is all about. We will miss him dearly and look forward to the time when we will meet again.

John McKenna, special adviser to WCG President Joseph Tkach: Because I came to the Worldwide Church of God lately, it was especially gratifying to me to be given Dr. Hoeh’s fellowship and friendship.

It was important to making me feel accepted and valued in our church, and I would like to thank him, in memoriam, for his warm welcome for a stranger and his willingness to interact as a scholar with me. My wife, Mickey, and I thank God for his life and service among you.

Giorgio Buccellati, professor emeritus, Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, University of California at Los Angeles: What sad news indeed! Dr. Hoeh was such a model to all of us, including the way in which he was leading a life so close to nature, that the sudden passing is even more of a shock. We will remember him so very dearly.

Giorgio Buccellati, UCLA

Ralph K. Helge, church attorney: From knowing Dr. Hoeh for more than 45 years, I can truly say that he was one of the most humble, unassuming, gracious and serving people that I have ever known.

Paul Kroll, Personal Correspondence Department: I knew Dr. Herman Hoeh for about 46 years, since I came to Ambassador College in 1958.

He always encouraged and helped me in my school and personal life during my student years. I was also privileged to work on the staff of the magazine during the years when he was managing editor. He took pleasure in developing young writers and editors, and I and many others were the beneficiaries of his instruction and caring.

I last spoke to Dr. Hoeh on the Thursday before his passing and am happy that we were able to exchange our well wishes to each other as we had done over the years. We will all miss his thoughtful and kind words and help.

Mat Morgan, secretary, WCG board of directors: When I think of Herman Hoeh, I think of a servant. Humility, kindness, generosity, wisdom and selfless service are traits that define this wonderful man, in my experience.

One of the things that I admire most about Dr. Hoeh was his humility. He didn’t have a need to be seen giving, he just helped people because he saw a need. I have experienced his acts of kindness and heard from other recipients. However, I am certain that most of his service went unnoticed except to the beneficiary and to our Father. I will miss this man with a servant’s heart.

Rick Shallenberger, pastor of Christ Fellowship Church, the WCG congregation in Cincinnati, Ohio: I have so many fond memories of Dr. Hoeh. I’ll never forget the first time I was invited to a planning meeting. I was a recent hire in Editorial Services and was surprised to be invited to the meeting. Midway through the planning, as one topic after another was discussed, Dr. Hoeh turned to me and said, “Mr. Shallenberger, what is your opinion on this?” His goal was to make me feel part of the team. That gesture meant a lot to me.

My last surprise with Dr. Hoeh was a few years after I left Pasadena. I had gone to headquarters for some training and did not make an effort to see Dr. Hoeh. It actually didn’t occur to me to make a point to see him. After all, he was busy; he probably hadn’t thought about me since I left Pasadena; the usual excuses.

Imagine my surprise when two weeks later I received a phone call only to hear Dr. Hoeh say he was sorry we didn’t have the opportunity to get together. He asked how I was doing and said he looked forward to getting together the next time I was in town. 

Dr. Hoeh was a genuine Christian. He embodied what Francis of Assisi is quoted as saying: “In everything you do, preach the gospel. If necessary, use words.” That was Dr. Hoeh.

Herman Hoeh cools his
feet at Belknap Springs,
Oregon, in 1951.
[Photo by Paul B. Smith]

Copyright © Grace Communion International, 2005