Lorenz D. Haselhofer was born on September 2, 1935, and passed away on October 13, 2021, at the age of 86.  He was born and raised in Watsonville, California and grew up working with his brother and three sisters at the family's apple ranch.

In 1955, he joined the Navy and served on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Hancock in the Pacific theater for two years.  During those years, he explored Japan, the Philippine Islands, Hong Kong and Hawaii.  He left active service in 1957, serving several more years in the reserves.

After being discharged, Loren took a job at Burke Rubber Company in San Jose where he started on the production floor. After distinguishing himself in that role, he received the opportunity to take on a position as a draftsman. He attended San Jose City Community College to gain the requisite skills for the role. He continued in that role for several years before beginning what would ultimately be a 25-year career at IBM, where he retired as a senior designer.

During his time at Burke he met and married his wife, Vonia, who was the love of his life and partner in all things for the next 58 years.  They had two children, Susan and James, eventually settling in Gilroy, California after starting their life together in San Jose.

Throughout his life, Loren pursued a lifelong passion for aircraft, particularly WWII warbirds, which began in his childhood when 'top secret' military aircraft would fly over the family property to the delight of both himself and his brother. In pursuit of this passion, he regularly attended numerous air shows, including shows at Chino, Madera, Salinas and the world-renowned Reno Air Races.

Loren enjoyed spending time working on his property and making further improvements to the house he had designed.  He also loved both reading and music, and had an eclectic taste in both.  In spite of his health challenges in his later years, he never forgot a book he read and was not hesitant about telling you so.

An avid hiker, Loren spent weeks traversing the trails of the Sierra Nevada, particularly in the Yosemite and Mammoth Lakes areas.  He had an obsession with Half Dome and ended up photographing it from nearly every vantage point, including the top.  You could place him anywhere in Yosemite Park and he would be able to list all the major peaks and other geographical areas.

Loren is survived by his wife Vonia, children Susan Cheu (son-in-law Steven) and son James (daughter-in-law Jennifer), grandson Christian, brother Gene and sister Lois, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Wednesday, October 20 ^th at 10:00 AM at the Habing Family Funeral Home in Gilroy.