Hofer, Joseph L. (1866-1953)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Mar 12 p. 9

Birth date: 1866 Aug 14

text of obituary:

JACOB L. HOFER [sic JOSEPH L. HOFER]

On Wednesday, February 11, the funeral services were conducted for Joseph L. Hofer at 1:00 o’clock at the home and at 2:00 o’clock at the Salem KMB church near Bridgewater, South Dakota. Pastor J. J. Kleinsasser assisted by Rev. David W. Tschetter had charge of the service. Interment was made in the local cemetery with the Walter funeral home in charge.

Father Joseph L. Hofer was born August 14, 1866, in South Russia and died February 8, 1953, having reached the age of 86 years, six months and six days. His parents were Joseph and Susanna (Tschetter) Hofer.

In 1874 with his parents he migrated to America, spending the first winter in Elkhart, Indiana, and the following year settled 45 miles northwest of Yankton, S. Dak. where he spent the remainder of his life.

On November 22, 1891, he was united in marriage to Maria Wipf by Rev. Paul Tschetter, in which union he was privileged to live over 61 years. To this union ten children were born of whom three preceded him in death. He was a devoted father, always seeking the best interests of his children both spiritually and materially. He was a peace loving father and expressed the spirit of brotherly love in all his associations.

Realizing his lost condition he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior, and was baptized on March 15, 1921, by Rev. J. M. Tschetter and was received into the membership of the KMB church of which he remained a faithful member to his death.

He leaves to mourn his death our mother and seven children: Mrs. David S. W. Glanzer of Bridgewater; Joe L. Hofer, Redlands, Calif.; Elias L. Hofer, St. Paul, Minn.; Mrs. John S. Mendel, Chicago, Ill.; Jacob L. Hofer, Freeman; Mrs. Andrew S. Glanzer and David L. Hofer of Meno. He also leaves 20 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, four daughters-in-law, three sons-in-law, five sisters, two brothers, nine brothers-in-law and five sisters-in-law.

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For it we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him” I Thessalonians 13:14.