Irvin Leo Hoechner, 88, of Mooresville, NC, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2017 after a short illness. He was born September 11, 1929 in Reading, PA, to the late Hans and Agnes (nee Shipper) Hoechner. After graduating from Reading High School, he joined the Air Force as an enlisted man. Based on his excellent test scores, he was placed in the Officer Cadet Program and trained as a pilot. He flew for the Strategic Air Command during the Korean Conflict and traveled the world. He remained committed to the Air Force and was in the reserves for an additional 12 years after his 4 year term, leaving with the rank of Major.

After a whirlwind courtship, he married Jennie vanden Heuvel, forming a union that lasted almost 62 years until Jennie’s death in 2015. The couple eventually settled in Nutley, NJ, where they raised two children, Carol and Bruce. Irvin was a lifelong learner, earning a BS in electrical engineering from Penn State University, an MBA in Finance from NYU and Professional Engineering licenses in both NJ and NC.

He took up target shooting and became an excellent marksman and also learned Morse code, passing all required tests to become a Ham radio operator. As an electrical engineer, he worked for several companies including ITT, Celanese, Hoffman-La Roche and Glaxo. He was also an instructor at Bergen Community College teaching computer science. Upon retirement, Irvin and Jennie moved to Mooresville, NC where he was involved with groups to enhance his knowledge of finance, computers, photography, and Ham radio.

Irvin is survived by his daughter, Carol Gray and husband, David, of Mooresville, son, Bruce Hoechner and wife, Judy, of Yardley, PA, four grandchildren: Megan and Daniel Gray, Bryan and Robert Hoechner, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, William and Melinda vanden Heuvel, many beloved nieces and nephews, and his canine companion, Sophie.

The family will hold a private graveside service later this month.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Salvation Army, 1361 Caldwell Street, Statesville, NC 28677.

Carolina Cremation of Charlotte and Salisbury is assisting the Hoechner family. Online condolences may be made at www.CarolinaCremation.com.