In memoriam: Josef Neuhofer

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

Former President of Plasser American Corporation Josef W. Neuhofer passed away peacefully at home on March 29, 2016, at the age of 78.

 

After finishing high school, Neuhofer went to hotel management school. He worked as a first class steward aboard the SS Rotterdam, which allowed him the opportunity to visit beautiful locations all over the world. While working at his parents’ hotel, he had a chance encounter with a guest, Franz Plasser of Plasser & Theurer. Looking for a new challenge, in 1961, Neuhofer began his career as a salesman in Linz, Austria, with a railroad equipment manufacturer.

After moving to the United States, he helped transform Plasser American Corporation into a worldwide manufacturer of railroad technology equipment. His determination and always “find a way” attitude helped the company pursue and develop equipment for the railroad industry. The Austrian Embassy bestowed him many awards for business development. He was also a past president of Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association, a Master Mason of Rockford Lodge #102 and a Shriner.

Born in Stadl Pauer, Austria he is preceded in death by his parents Josef and Josefa Neuhofer and brothers Herman, Franz and Theo all of Austria. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Betty and his two children, son Jeff and his wife Sheri of Virginia Beach; daughter Bonnie and her husband Dennis Reed of Morrisville, N.C., and three grandchildren, Spencer, Harrison and Nikolas, who lovingly called him Opa. He is also survived by his brother Walter, and his three sisters Inga, Mitzi, and Hilda.

A link to funeral arrangements can be found here.

 

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