Hofer, Katharina Mendel (1872-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary:1956 Jul 5 p. 8

Birth date: 1872 May 8

text of obituary:

MRS. MICHAEL M. HOFER

It pleased our Heavenly Father to remove from our midst through death our dear mother, Katharina Hofer, nee Mendel. She was the daughter of Jacob Mendel and Anna Hofer Mendel, and was born in the village of New Huterthal [sic], South Russia, on May 8, 1872.

Her father died when she was three weeks of age upon returning from a business trip to Nikapok, where he had been stricken with the dread disease, cholera. At the age of three, she and her six brothers and sisters were brought to America by their widowed mother and they established their home on a farm in the valley of the James River, seven miles northwest of Menno, S. D.

She had few educational opportunities in those pioneer days. However, she attended country school for a few short terms and acquired a knowledge of reading and writing. Throughout her life she was a tireless reader and until her last ilness [sic] six months ago, she enjoyed the pleasure of reading, especialy [sic] the Bible.

On June 11, 1893, she was united in marriage with Michael M. Hofer and they established their home on a farm five miles southeast of Bridgewater, South Dakota. Here they shared the joys and sorrows of life for 41 years and four months, until he was taken from her side by death as the result of a heart attack on Oct. 11, 1934. This marriage was blessed with seven children, four of whom died in their infancy and one, Michael K. Hofer, passed away at the age of 42.

In 1916, on Sept. 10, she and her husband became members of the Salem K.M.B. church, where they remained loyal until death.

Our mother will be remembered as a friend of people, especially children. Her hospitality will not be forgotten. She cared for the blind Katherina Wollman in her home for three years.

At noon on Dec. 8, 1955, she suffered a stroke from which she never recovered. thereafter, for six months and four days, she was a total invalid at her home where she was cared for by the members of her family.

She steadily became weaker and on June 12 at 2:30 in the afternoon she peacefully fell asleep to be with her Lord and Master, in whom she had an unfaltering trust and faith. She attained the age of 84 years, one months [sic] and four days.

She leaves to mourn her death two sons, Jacob M. Hofer of Freeman, S. Dak. and Paul L. Hofer of Hutchinson, Kansas; three daughters-in-law, Marie, Anna, and Katharine; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, one sister, Susanna of Huron, S. Dak., age 93; five sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law, and a host of friends and relatives.

The funeral for Mrs. Hofer took place at the Salem K. M. B. Church June 14 and her remains were laid to rest in the local cemetery. Pastor Kleinsasser brought a message in German on Phil. 4:21. Rev. Peter G. Hofer spoke in English on “Jesus the Shepherd.” A male quartet sang two numbers.

At the graveside the quartet sang “Bald Ja Bald” and the Rev. John S. Mendel of Chicago, who was conducting evangelistic meetings at Doland, had charge of the committal service.