ERNEST HOCHSTER

June 21, 1922 - December 23, 2006

FORT WORTH -- Ernest Joseph Hochster, 84, founder and chairman of the board of Westmoor Mfg.-Panhandle Slim, died peacefully Saturday afternoon, Dec. 23, 2006. Services were held in the Chapel at Robertson Mueller Harper on Sunday, Dec. 24. Rabbi Sidney Zimelman officiated with Javier Smolarz, ritual director, assisting. Burial: Following committal prayers, Ernest was laid to rest next to his wife, Erica, in Ahavath Sholom Cemetery. Minyan services began Sunday at 6 p.m. at the residence of Jeffrey and Linda Hochster. Memorials: For religious reasons, no flowers can be accepted. Consideration of contributions to Congregation Ahavath Sholom or to the Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem in memory of Ernest is suggested. Born on June 21, 1922 in Marburg, Germany, Ernest was the son of Sol and Meta Bloch Hochster. He moved to the United States in 1936 where he resided in New York City. After moving to Minneapolis in 1946, Ernest married his beloved Erica and founded Westmoor Mfg. Co. Eight years later, he moved his family and business to Omaha, Nebraska where he served as president of Beth Israel Synagogue. In 1975, Ernest moved Westmoor to Fort Worth where it remains today under the leadership of his sons and grandson. Ernest was a man dedicated to family, business and Judaism. In addition to his wife and parents, Ernest was preceded in death by his brother, Martin. Survivors: Sons, Jeffrey Hochster and his wife, Linda of Fort Worth, and Leonard Hochster and his wife, Hope of Dallas; grandchildren, Jamison Hochster and his wife, Rachel, Audra Hochster-Ohayon and her husband, Jacques, Kane Hochster and Zachary Hochster; and sister-in-law, Hanna Hochster of Fort Worth. Robertson Mueller Harper Funerals & Cremations 1500 Eighth Ave., 817-924-4233