Rolf Hofbauer

Rolf Hofbauer, 64, of Hixson, Tenn., passed away Friday, Dec. 28, 2012 following a brief illness.An avid fisherman, Rolf was born in Bremen, Germany coming to the U.S. at the age of 6. A graduate of Red Bank High School he subsequently obtained a degree in accounting and was later a meat cutter for Winn Dixie. Although an Austrian citizen he chose to serve in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Austin. He was later employed by Norfolk Southern Railway as an electrician and after many years retired from same. It was during this period that he became a U.S. citizen.He was preceded in death by his son of choice, Jeremy L. Ellison and parents Rupert and Anne Gudger-Hofbauer. He is survived by Susan his wife and best friend.We would like to thank so many people for their kindness and support during his final days not limited to Roger Brown, Joe Appugliese, John Carlton, Christine Smith and Allison of the Galen Medical Group. We would also like to thank his primary physicians to include Dr. Walter Parkhurst, Dr. Marshall Horton, Dr. Richard Pearce and Laura Ford, N.P. Although a patient of Hospice of Chattanooga for only a very brief period we would like to thank the staff of the Hospice Care Center and in particular Carla of the evening shift. During his final transition their care was wonderful allowing him to pass peacefully without discomfort.A good, honorable and loving man died this date who when he cared, he cared deeply. He was loved beyond belief by his wife and will always be loved. He is missed and will always be missed.Due to the projected weather forecast a casual visitation will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013 from 4 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 2, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the North Chapel.Graveside service will be at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.In lieu of flowers it is requested that donations in Rolfs' memory be made to Hospice of Chattanooga or the American Institute for Cancer Research. Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist, North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN, 37343. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com