Hofer, Justina E. Wipf (1905-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Jun 11 p. 8

Birth date: 1905 Feb 1

text of obituary:

MRS. JOE J. HOFER

Justina E. Hofer, daughter of Elias and Susanna Wipf, was born on a farm southwest of Bridgewater, S. D. on Feb. 1, 1905, and went to be with the Lord March 17, 1959, at 4:40 a. m. in the Parkston hospital. The cause of her death was acute leukemia. She reached the age of 54 years, one month, 16 days.

She received her elementary education in a rural school. As a young girl she accepted Jesus as her Saviour during a revival meeting held by Rev. P. P. Tschetter in the New Hutterthal church. She was instructed in the Word of God, was baptized upon confession of her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ by Rev. Dave J. Wipf and accepted into the fellowship of the New Hutterthal church.

She was united in marriage to Joe J. Hofer on Sept. 27, 1923. by Rev. John P. Hofer in the Hutterthal Mennonite Church, of which she then became a member. The Lord blessed this union with seven children, Wilbert, Joseph, Pearl, Darlene, Carol Jean, Mabel and Alvin.

The Lord permitted them to share joy and sorrow for 35 years, five months and 20 days. After their marriage they established their home in the Bridgewater community, where they lived for many years. From here they moved to Ethan, where they farmed the last 10 years. In this community they made many warm friends. Her friendly smile and her hospitality will never be forgotten. She lived to make others happy. Many were the trials and testings of her life, ut through her firm faith in her Saviour, the Lord always gave victory.

Those preceding her in death were her parents, one sister, two brothers, four brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law.

She leaves to mourn her early departure, her bereaved husband and children, Mr. and Mrs. William Voss of Emery, Mr. and Mrs. Alvin J. Hofer of Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. Wilbert C. Hofer of Mitchell, Mrs. and Mrs. Joe J. Hofer, Jr. of Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. Duane Duba of Ethan, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Larson of Emery, and Carol Jean at home, and 15 grandchildren.

Also surviving are five sisters: (Anna) Mrs. John Lansiedale of California, (Susie) Mrs. John E. Hofer of Yale, (Barbara) Mrs. Jacob B. Hofer of Dolton, (Sarah) Mrs. Ed K. Hofer of Bridgewater, and Katy Wipf; two brothers, Rev. Joe E. Wipf of Huron and Zack B. Wipf of Yale; two half sisters, Mrs. Joe L. Hofer and Mrs. Paul W. Glanzer; four brothers-in-law, two sisters-in-law, and a host of friends and relatives.