Microfinance Loans to Give the Poor a Working Chance - Opportunity Blog

Dick Hoefs, A Lasting Legacy

By Opportunity International on December 1, 2010

We give thanks for our dear brother, friend and mentor, Dick Hoefs, who passed away on Nov. 26 in the presence of his loving family. Dick supported Opportunity clients for nearly 25 years and served on Opportunity boards for 15 years, including as chairman of Opportunity U.S. in 1992 and 1993.

Many thanks to Dick Hoefs, who passed away on Nov. 26, 2010, for all his years of service to Opportunity's clients.

Many thanks to Dick Hoefs, who passed away on Nov. 26, 2010, for all his years of service to Opportunity's clients.

Dick’s faithful presence, wisdom and tenacity have helped guide Opportunity for many years. While his voice will be greatly missed, his example of living out Christ’s call to love and serve the poor will continue to lead us.

In addition to his work with Opportunity International, Dick served on a variety of boards including the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations, the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, and the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce. Dick was a partner with Arthur Anderson, specializing in international taxes, where he worked from 1950 until his retirement in 1985. Dick graduated with his business administration degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1950 and earned his law degree in 1960 from DePaul University.

We pay tribute to the leadership, service and generosity that Dick provided to Opportunity International over several decades and express our appreciation to his son, Robert, and his daughter, Nancy Connelly, for Dick’s faithful service and lasting legacy at Opportunity International.

Posted in Faith in Action, Our Leadership, Our Mission and Vision, Our Motivation
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Comments

  • ljj

    Thank you Dick for your many years of service to Opportunity. You have raised the bar high for all of us and for that I am most grateful. I am thrilled to know that you are dancing joyfully with Jesus, Barbara and the angels!

  • Shelley

    Dick Hoefs leaves behind a rich and lasting legacy to his beautiful family, and all who knew him, through the example of serving he set for them, for all of us. Dick gave not only financial support, but gave even more generously of himself through his time, wisdom and experience, always pointing to the source of all blessings – God. A pillar of faith, he has touched lives all around the world and those ripples will go out for many, many years to come.

  • Lbaldridge

    In addition to his sharp mind that helped make Opportunity a well-run organization, Dick was also a great joy to be around and a source of encouragement to us on staff. Thank you to the Hoefs family for lending us so much of his precious time. Millions of the poor are better off today because of his work.

  • asw

    I did not have the chance to meet Dick personally, but from the outpouring of emotions from all corners of the greater Chicago community, it is clear he made an impact wherever he lent his time and his mind. May his family be blessed by the legacy that he left behind.

  • Wiuleatherneck1983

    Miss u Dad… Gives me peace to know you are in heaven because of your love for Jesus and His love for you-