Andrew Harold Hoefle

Andrew Harold Hoefle, son of Bob and Margaret Hoefle, grew up in rural northwest Illinois. He was the middle child of four brothers: older brother Dan Hoefle, and younger twins Jay and Joel Hoefle. After getting his bachelor’s degree at VanderCook College of Music, he returned to northwest Illinois to begin his career as a high school band director. A few years later, he moved on to direct the bands at Highland Community College in Freeport, Illinois. It was there that future wife Heather Archer joined his community concert band. They celebrated 30 happily married years in July of 2025.

Eventually Andy moved on to the position of band director at South Suburban College, south of Chicago. It was there that Andy and Heather raised their two sons Ben and Jason. Andy loved his boys fiercely and coached them in music, sports and life. In 2022 Andy and Heather moved to the east coast of North Carolina to be near the ocean. There Andy enjoyed golfing year-round and made many new, dear friends.

Andy was a musical powerhouse on the euphonium and as a band director. He earned his Master’s of Music Education at Northern Illinois University and did further study at Indiana University in Bloomington. He performed solo recitals and played in esteemed jazz and concert ensembles. He played the upright bass in jazz combos on the side.

He challenged his adult community ensembles with artful programming and musical sensitivity, attracting skilled hobbyists and professional musicians to his groups. He hosted South Suburban College Jazz Festivals that brought in many area high school and middle school ensembles, featuring esteemed jazz artists and clinicians with whom he remained personal friends. After retiring from South Suburban College he taught private lessons and jazz at Homewood-Flossmoor High School. Throughout his teaching career, Andy took great pleasure in teaching and mentoring his students with musicianship, respect, and genuine care.

Andy Hoefle never met a stranger. His charisma, unpredictable wit and authenticity drew people to him. His impact on the music education world and on all he knew cannot be measured. “It’s all about the hang” he would say - the people you’re with. He will live on through the many lives he enhanced with his musical gifts, infectious smile, spontaneity, and joyful laughter.

It was Andy’s wish that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his honor to Wilmington Symphonic Winds, in remembrance of his dedication to music and to support a cause dear to his heart.

Two Memorial Celebrations will be held in honor of Andy’s remarkable life:

Sunday, September 14, 2025

4:30pm - 6:30pm

Belle Vue Wilmington

1125 N. 4th Street

Wilmington, NC 28401

Thursday, October 9, 2025

5:00pm - 6:30pm

Kindig Performing Arts Center

South Suburban College

15800 State Street

South Holland, IL 60473

Please leave memories and condolences for Andy's family in the Guestbook below.

Services entrusted to Green Goodbye.