Hofer, Jacob Mendel (1896-1972)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 23 Mar 1972 p. 2

Birth date: 1896

text of obituary:

Former College Teacher, Retired Farmer Dies

Freeman, S. D. — Funeral services for Jacob Mendel Hofer, 76, retired farmer and former college teacher, were held March 7 at the Bethany Mennonite Church. He died at the home here on March 3 after a long illness.

A native of the Bridgewater area, he attended Tabor College, Dakota Wesleyan University, and the University of Chicago where he received the A. B. and master’s degrees and completed work for his Ph.D. He taught in South Dakota public schools, and served on the faculty of Tabor College, 1924-26, of Bethel College, 1930-32, and later at Chicago Junior College. He returned here to farm in 1934.

Mr. Hofer contributed numerous articles to historical journals. He was active in civil affairs and in the Bethany church. He taught in Sunday school for 50 years.

JACOB MENDEL HOFER

text of obituary:

JACOB MENDEL HOFER

Jacob Mendel Hofer, son of Michael and Katherina Mendel Hofer, was born near Bridgewater, S. D. on June 30, 1896, and passed away at home on March 3, 1972 at the age of 75.

He attended country school, Bridgewater High School, and Tabor College, and received his B. A. degree at Dakota Wesleyan College at Mitchell, S. D. He taught country school for several years.

On Feb. 25, 1920, he was married to Marie Tschetter and they moved on their farm near Freeman where they lived until his death 52 years later, with the exception of a span of several years when he attended the University of Chicago. He completed his work towards a doctor’s degree in History and taught school in Chicago, at Tabor and also Bethel College in Kansas.

On Sept 19, 1920 he and his wife were baptized and became members of the Salem K. M. B. Church at Bridgewater, S. D. where he took part in church activities. In 1935 they transferred their membership to the Bethany Mennonite Church at Freeman. Here, too, he took active part on the church council and taught Sunday school for many years.

The last three and a half years he was unable to attend church services due to his physical condition. He submitted to a serious operation in 1968, and in February 1970 suffered a severe stroke. That summer he again underwent surgery, and in July 1971 suffered a stroke that left him bedridden. He was hospitalized six times during the three and half years.

He leaves to mourn his death, his widow; two daughters, Vivian and husband Harold Unruh, Laurene and husband Orville Wipf; one son, Lloyd and wife Darleen; eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; one brother, Dr. Paul L. Hofer and wife Kathryn of Hutchinson, Kan.; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Mike K. Hofer, Dolton; and two brothers-in-law, Dr. David J. Tschetter and wife Ursula of Chicago and Emil Tschetter and wife Barbara of Emery.

A prayer service was held at the home where Rev. Peter G. Hofer spoke words of comfort. Memorial services were held on March 7, 1972 at the Bethany Church at Freeman, with Rev. David S. Wipf and Rev. Peter J. Stahl in charge.