Obituary of Stanley Carl Hoobing

The Reverend Stanley Carl Hoobing (80) died peacefully in his home on Jan. 31st, 2023 in Boise, ID.  He was surrounded by his wife, son, pastor, hospice staff persons as well as their cat.  His last breath was taken while they were saying the Lord’s prayer during Last Rites.

Stan was born (July 2, 1942) and raised in Boise, ID.  He was the eldest son of Carl and Marian Hoobing (who both preceded him in death).  He attended Boise schools and graduated from Boise High School.  He grew up in, attended regularly, was baptized at and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Boise, ID.  He first attended college at Boise State and later transferred to Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA where he studied and received a degree in Sociology. At some point in his young life, he felt called to enter into the ministry.  He attended Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and graduated in 1968. His ordination service took place at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Boise, ID in December of 1968.  The first parish he served was located in Morton, WA. While he was in Morton, WA, he was introduced to a young woman, Carol Jane Kinzle. Their introduction was a blind date that was coordinated by a colleague of Stan’s, Rev. Erick Ottum.  After some time of courtship, they were married on July 24, 1972 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Centralia, WA.  Stan then took a call at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Richland, WA. They moved at a time when Carol was early in her pregnancy.  In September of 1973, they welcomed their first child, Rachel Elizabeth Hoobing.  A little over 2 years later, they welcomed their second child, Matthew (Matt) David Hoobing.  

Stan served many different churches in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana throughout his 50+ years of career in ministry.   He was a thoughtful and loving pastor, friend, father and husband.  He participated in several ministries including: Night Watch/Night Ministry, Vacation Bible Schools, visiting and reading to children in preschool, a summer program for children, a pastor in residence at Camp Lutherhaven and at Camp Lutherwood, an interdenominational day school program, visiting folks at nursing homes and so many other programs and ministries.  

In 2017, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer.  Shortly after that, he was diagnosed with dementia.  For the past several months before his death he was in hospice care at home with the wonderful staff of Keystone Hospice, his wife, Carol and his son, Matt.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Hoobing, daughter, Rachel Hoobing (partner: Bridget), his son, Matt Hoobing, his brothers, Ray Hoobing and Lewis McLin. He will be missed by many.

Donations can be made in his name to Lutheran World Relief for getting water to communities. Stan's memorial service will be held on June 3, 2023 at 11am at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Boise, ID.