Obituary of Harold J. Obenhofer
Hilton / Lady Lake FL - Harold J. "Opa" Obenhofer passed away on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at the age of 86. He was predeceased by his wife, Annie (1994) and his siblings, Rudi, Michael, Karl, Walter and Martha; and his companion of 22 years, Doris Hirzel. He is survived by his children, Karin (Jim) Wood, Michael (Trudy) Obenhofer, Nancy (Hiram) Johnson and Charlene (Hart) Thomas; his 14 grandchildren, Sherri (Jeff), Harrison, Sarah (Bill), Jessica (Marcus), Rachel (Kerry), Nicholas (Jessi), Matthew (Mackenzie), Jean, Cassandra, Blair, Ami, Michael, Megan and Sean; and 11 great-grandchildren, Kaylee, James, Leah, Lauryn, Brooklyn, Caleb, Emily, John Bradley, Spencer, Emmett and Ethan; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Margit, Paul, Willy, Ernst (Kate) and Helga; many nieces and nephews; and dear friends, Jessica, Nancy, David and Millie.
Harold was born in Beratzhausen, Germany and came to the United States, the "land of milk and honey" in 1954 at the age of 19 with his sister Martha on the ship, the SS America. Harold spoke very little English; his famous food words were "ham and eggs, milk and toast, mashed potatoes, applesauce." He met Annie at a German dance, and they were married in July 14,1956. They enjoyed traveling, German festivals and playing cards together. Harold was a tailor by trade and worked for Hickey Freeman and then went on to a job at Kodak in solvent coating, retiring after 38 years.
Harold and Annie moved to "The Villages" in 1991. Annie passed away in 1994, and Harold remained in Florida. There he met Doris who remained his companion until her passing.
Harold's passions were gardening, birds and nature. He took pride in his many flowers, including amaryllis, snapdragons, tulips, daffodils, and passion flower. His favorite seasons were spring and fall. He loved to return to Hilton for Apple Fest and the Hilton Carnival annually. He enjoyed model scale HO (his initials) trains. He enjoyed going to the casino with his children and family, playing cards and collecting Hummels. He loved his German cuisine, especially rouladan, dumplings and kuchens. He was a fan of the Detroit Tigers and the Philadelphia Flyers.
Growing up as a child in war time, fresh fruit was only a dream. He loved apples and oranges and dreamed of having his own "orange tree one day." In Florida he had all the oranges he had once imagined.
Friends are invited to call Wednesday, May 12th from 4 - 7 PM at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., 735 East Avenue in Hilton. A Service will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Interment will take place in Riverside Cemetery.
We would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Mary Lou O'Neill and Dr. Kamath; SMH Palliative Care and Hospice Team, Dr. Horowitz, Melissa and Joanne, as well as all the other aides involved in his care.
Donations can be made in memory of Harold to the Hilton Food Shelf, PO Box 127, Hilton, NY 14468.
