Ferdinand "Fred" Oberholzer

Ferdinand (Fred) Andrew Oberholzer, 86, passed away at his home in Hanford, CA on March 6th.

Fred was born to Ferdinand and Frances Oberholzer on December 23, 1939, in North Hollywood, CA.  As a child the family relocated to Hanford and established the Hanford Dairy.  Fred was raised with his siblings Frances, Mary Jane and Roy.  He attended McCarthy Catholic School and graduated from Hanford High School in 1958.  After high school he attended a trade school in Van Nuys to become a mechanic.

Fred married Harriett Ann Maaskant on July 11,1959.  They bought their first home in Hanford in 1960 and started their family.  They had three daughters, Cindy, Dana and Candi.  Fred spent his years as a mechanic and truck driver.  He later retired from Beacon Oil Company and Kings County Truck Lines.

He was a devoted Husband, Dad, and Papa. His life revolved around his family.  He loved growing up with his kids, grandkids and great grandkids.  In his younger years he loved spending time with his kids on the river in his beloved boat “Panic Rat”. Later, he was a common site at any of his grandkids’ sporting events or extracurricular activities.  He also enjoyed having lunch with his classmates and friends later in life.

He was preceded in death by his wife Harriett in 2010 and grandson Lakin Bentley in 2024.  Fred is survived by his daughters Cindy Bentley and husband Rick, Dana Wiltfang and husband Jon, and Candi Crewse and husband Scott, all of Hanford.  Fred also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Bryce Borges, Blake Borges and wife Apryl, Lacee Bentley, Carlee Chandler and husband Johnny, Clayton Crewse, Lindsey Fernandez and husband Chase, and Justin Wiltfang. Seven great grandchildren, Boston Williams, Finn Borges, Jay Chandler, Hudson Bentley, Harrison Chandler, Goldie Borges, and Freddie Fernandez.  As well as close friend and companion Shirley Silva.

He will be missed by all.

A Rosary will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday March 19th at St. Brigid Catholic Church followed by Mass.  Burial will follow at Grangeville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to one of Fred’s favorite charities Teen Challenge. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ferdinand "Fred" Oberholzer, please visit our floral store.