Hofer, Barbara (1875-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Nov 13 p. 6

Birth date: 1875 Feb 1

text of obituary:

FUNERAL SERVICES HELD IN SOUTH DAKOTA FOR CHICAGO MISSION WORKERS

Freeman, S. D.— Funeral services for Mrs. Barbara Hofer, 83, long-time mission worker in Chicago and widow of the late Rev. D. M. Hofer, were held Nov. 4 at the Salem K. M. B. Church near Bridgewater, Rev. J. J. Kleinsasser officiating.

Mrs. Hofer died Oct. 31 in Chicago. For many years she and her husband labored at the Lincoln Ave. Gospel Mission there.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Dec 25 p. 8

text of obituary:

MRS. BARBARA HOFER

Barbara Hofer was born in Elkhart, Ind. on Feb. 1, 1875. Her parents, Joseph and Susanna (Tschetter) Hofer, were migrating from Russia to South Dakota at the time of her birth and spent the first winter in Indiana. That same year she with her parents moved to a farm near Bridgewater, S. Dak.

On June 11, 1893, she was married to D. M. Hofer and they settled on a farm four miles south of Bridgewater. In 1903 they sold their farm and moved to the city of Bridgewater where her husband was active in banking and the grain business. They were successful in business but the Lord spoke to them and called them into full time sevice [sic] for Him.

On July 14, 1912, she with her husband followed the Lord in baptism and they became members of the Salem K. M. B. church where she remained a faithful member until her death. In 1914 they answered the call, sold their business and moved to Chicago. After receiving their training at the Moody Bible Institute she and her husband became active in city mission work. They founded the Lincoln Avenue Gospel Mission. She was a great help to her husband in his ministry. In 1922 she accompanied him to Europe to represent the American Mennonite Relief Administration. They traveled around the world on this trip.

Sister Hofer remained a faithful city mission worker until her death. She was a great prayer warrior and a hearty and liberal giver for relief, missions and Bible institutes.

She enjoyed the best of health until Jan. 5, 1956, when she suffered a stroke. She never fully recovered and was confined to her apartment. Since her apartment was in the mission building she was able to attend some of the worship services.

Sister Hofer realized that it was evening in her life and she set her house in order. On Oct. 26 she was admitted to a Chicago hospital where she passed away on Oct. 31, 1958 at the age of 83 years and nine months.

She leaves to mourn her departure Lydia Wollman, a foster daughter, and Herbert Apel, whom she considered her foster son; one brother, Jacob S. G. Hofer of Freeman; three sisters, Mary (Mrs. Jermias Pullman) of Freeman, Justina (Mrs. Sam Glanzer) of Bridgewater, and Katherine (Mrs. David Mendel) of Doland, and a host of friends.

Funeral services were conducted in the Lincoln Avenue Gospel Mission on Sunday, Nov. 2, with Rev. John S. Mendel officiating. The remains were then shipped to Freeman, South Dakota. On Tuesday, Nov. 4, Rev. Paul H. Glanzer of Huron led a short service in the Walter Funeral Home and Pastor Kleinsasser officiated n the service at the Salem K.M.B. church. Rev. John S. Mendel of the Lincoln Avenue Mission assisted the pastor, and Rev. Glanzer offered the closing prayer. A men’s quartet, nephews of the deceased, sang and Miss Celia Gross presided at the organ. Interment was made in the local cemetery.