Hofer, John (1857-1941)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1941 Feb 26 p. 1

Birth date: 1857

text of obituary:

Aged Farmer Found Dead In Old Well At His Home

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HAD LIVED ALONE SINCE 1924;

DEATH DECLARED ACCIDENTAL BY INVESTIGATORS

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Whitewater, Kans., Feb. 20 — Sometime between Wednesday evening and the next Sunday morning John Hofer who has lived alone on his farm north of Whitewater for many years met death by falling into the well at his home. His body was found by relatives who came to his home at about 10 o’clock Sunday morning. the coroner, county attorney and sheriff were called from El Dorado and after due investigation it was decided that the death was accidental and no formal inquest was held.

The well is the open type with a windlass for drawing water. The bucket was gone from the end of the rope and in the well was found a grappling hook. It is presumed that Mr. Hofer was fishing for the bucket when he lost his balance and fell into the well. The examination of the body showed that he had received a severe blow on the head from striking the stone wall as he fell and was evidently dead when he struck the water.

Funeral services were held at the Swiss Mennonite church two miles northeast of Whitewater, Monday at 2:30 o’clock with Rev. J. Dirks and Rev. Ted Roth officiating.

Hofer was born near Laugnau, Canton Berne, Switzerland, August 11, 1857. He reached the age of 83 years.

In May 1883, at the age of 26 after the death of both his parents he came to America with his sister and family and his younger brother. Two years later he settled on the farm with his brother near Whitewater, Kansas, which was his home until his passing. His brother preceded him in death, April 20, 1924, and his sister Elsa Zurcher, March 15, 1936. He was a charter member of the Swiss Mennonite congregation and retained his membership to the end.

His life was not without a cross for over 35 years he patiently, though often with tears, bore the affliction of his brother. He has lived alone for nearly 17 years. – Whitewater Independent.