Brigadier General Jerome Nikolai Hoberg

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of General Jerome Nikolai Hoberg on March 17, 2025. A remarkable man with a distinguished career, he served as an officer and a decorated pilot in the United States Air Force and in the California Air National Guard. Jerome was also an esteemed architectural designer and builder. His legacy of creativity, integrity and generosity will be deeply remembered and honored.

While Jerome was in high school, one of his art teachers was the renowned Orre Nobles. Mr. Nobles offered to sponsor Jerome to attend a famous art school in Paris upon graduating from high school. From an early age, it was evident that Jerome had exceptional talent. However, another opportunity presented itself and Jerome chose to serve his country.

At the end of World War II, the U.S. military introduced a college equivalency test, allowing individuals to enter officer training without a four-year degree. Jerome was the only high school graduate in Washington State to pass this test. He was immediately sent to flight school and became a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. Jerome was stationed in Ashiya, Japan, during the Korean War, flying medical evacuation and transport missions. While there, he taught himself to read, write, and speak Japanese.

After his active duty service, Captain Hoberg returned home to Seattle, Washington and met the girl of his dreams, Marian Yosie. Jerome decided to pursue his education and moved to Los Angeles to study architecture at USC. Marian joined him in Los Angeles and they were married on June 3, 1955. While living in Southern California Jerome and Marian welcomed first a daughter named Karen Myreka and then a few years later a son named Jerome Nikolai II.

During Jerome’s senior year at USC, a professor and developer asked him to design home plans, compensating him with a lot in Bel Air. Jerome and his wife, Marian, borrowed money from family and friends to design and build a unique mid-century modern home. Elizabeth Taylor’s parents admired his work and commissioned him to design a custom home for them in Bel Air. With the proceeds from the sale, the Hobergs purchased another lot where Jerome designed and built a home for his family.

In 1961, Major Hoberg was reactivated by the Pentagon to support operations during the Bay of Pigs Invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis. A highly decorated pilot, he frequently flew esteemed figures, including Bob Hope, Lana Turner, Janis Page and Jerry Colonna, during USO tours. In 1969 Colonel Hoberg transitioned from Active Duty to serving full time for the California Air National Guard continuing his service as a pilot. This career change relocated the Hoberg family to Sacramento, California where their third child, Jahn Erik Hoberg was born. During this time Colonel Hoberg served as one of Governor Reagan’s military advisors and pilots. In 1978, at the age of 50, Hoberg attained the rank of Brigadier General in the Air Force. Although Governor Reagan wanted to appoint General Hoberg to return to Washington D.C. as the Inspector General for all Air Guard Units nationwide, the General chose not to accept the position. Hoberg had already designed and built custom homes in Oregon and California and he wanted to retire from the military to refocus his career on his true passion, architectural design and development.

A lumber baron in the Pacific Northwest contracted Jerome in 1974 to design and build an exceptional home that incorporated rare Curly Redwood and other unique lumber. This house, located in Eugene Oregon was later donated to the University of Oregon School of Architecture. This house stands as one of the centerpieces for the University’s architecture program.

In 1979 Jerome began working full-time as an architectural designer, builder, and developer. Hoberg, his wife and three children moved to the emerging community of Rancho Murieta, embracing its growth and potential. Collaborating with developer Ray Henderson, Jerome designed homes that seamlessly combined aesthetics and functionality. Among his many projects, he built Rancho Murieta’s most spectacular home, Midori Yama “Green Mountain”; at 14913 Guadalupe Drive. This Zen-like retreat features custom teak furniture and an indoor rock waterfall, reflecting his love for Asian art and architecture. Inspired by his travels to Asia during military service and subsequent family and business trips, Jerome commissioned craftsmen to hand-carve the home’s furniture and cabinetry. His family accompanied him on many of these trips, fostering a deep appreciation for the beauty, culture, and people of Asia.

Hoberg designed and built over 300 custom homes in Rancho Murieta leaving an indelible mark on the community. Drawing from his innate talent and extensive knowledge in architectural and landscape design, gained from years of study at USC and abroad, he shaped the community’s character through stunning landscaping and beautifully crafted homes.

Beyond residential designs, Hoberg played a pivotal role in Rancho Murieta’s development. In 1984, he was the developer, commercial designer, landscape architect, and builder of the Plaza Shopping Center. This was a major milestone in the community’s growth. His vision and contributions continue to inspire and influence generations.

Later in life, Jerome transitioned to partial retirement. He loved to travel, especially to warm, sunny destinations where he could enjoy the seashore. His family fondly remembers his love for relaxing on the beach and perfecting his tan. A man of refined taste, Jerome had a deep appreciation for fine art, gourmet cuisine, exotic cars, and mankind with their unique experiences. With his bright eyes, kind heart and big smile, Jerry had a special gift for making people feel loved and valued.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 69 years, Marian. He is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Karen Myreka; his sons, Jerome Nikolai II and Jahn Erik; and his cherished grandchildren, Nikole Emiko, John Kiyoshi, Elsa Kate, and Alexander Nikolai. His legacy lives on through his family, who continue to honor his memory.

All Funeral Services will be held at Saint Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, 14673 Cantova Way, Rancho Murieta, CA., 95683 on Friday, April 11, 2025. The Vigil Service will be at 10am, Full Military Honors will be preformed at 11am, followed by the Mass. Refreshments and lunch will be in the Church Hall following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or Wounded Warrior Project.