Kenneth Marshall Stoffer
July 3, 1930- August 17, 2025

Kenneth M. Stoffer, age 95, of Eureka, passed peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sunday, August 17, 2025.

Ken was born in Eureka to Wilfred and Priscilla Stoffer and attended Eureka City Schools, graduating in 1948 from Eureka High School. While in high school, he worked part time at the Bank of Eureka.

After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy for a 3-year stint, plus served an extra year due to the Korean War. Upon discharge, he moved to Santa Rosa and worked in an auto body shop, sparking his lifelong love of classic cars and stock car racing. In 1953, he married Rita August, with whom he had three daughters. In 1960 he joined the California Highway Patrol, Badge Number 2994, later transferring to Eureka, where he worked until his retirement in 1980. Rita tragically passed in 1968 at age 35 from cancer, leaving Ken with three small daughters. Together, they built a new life with assistance from his parents.

In 1973 Ken met Judith Goodwin on a blind date, and they were married six weeks later at the First Presbyterian Church in Eureka. They enjoyed 51 years of family, dancing, spending time at the cabin, traveling the world, (his favorite trip was to Kenya), and of course the old sailor especially loved cruises!

In retirement, Ken restored award-winning classic cars and cherished 83 summers at the family cabin on the Mad River, water skiing, fishing, and sharing stories by the campfire.

Ken was a member of the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, Korean War Veterans’ Association- Redwood Chapter #176, The Tin Can Sailors, Life Member of Eureka Elks Lodge #652, and the Native Sons of the Golden West- Humboldt Parlor #14. He was a long- time member of the Redwood Vintage Rods, enjoying many years of Rod Runs with his hot rod buddies and their families. We remember a man who loved his cars and knew how to enjoy the ride!

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Judith Stoffer; daughters Shirley Stoffer, Cindy Rotherham, Lorin Kenney (Cary Schwartz) and step-son Mark Goodwin; sister-in law Deborah Smith; cousins Sandra Kilmer and Delilah Young and families; ten grandchildren: Renee, Chloe, Kristi, Aaron, Emily, Tim, Dresden, Wyatt, Erin and Tyler; thirteen great-grandchildren: Mina, Jacob, Ethan, Kaia, Kodie, Taylor, Dalton, Nevan, Cadence, Juniper, Hunter, Kylee, Lilly; nieces Meredith Smith, Stephanie Hansen Medley and daughter Lauren, and nephew, Kevin Hansen.

“He has gone where the cabin light never ends, and the fire of love burns eternal.”

1010-Over and Out!

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Eureka, 819 Fifteenth Street, Eureka, CA on Saturday, September 6, at 11 a.m. with luncheon immediately following in the Fellowship Hall. The service will also be shared on Facebook at this link..

For those interested in offering a memorial gift, the family suggests:

  • Hospice of Humboldt-3327 Timber Fall Court, Eureka, CA 95503
  • California Association of Highway Patrol Widows and Orphans Fund, 2030 V Street, Sacramento, CA 95815

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Ken Stoffer’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.