Hofer, Maria Wipf (1872-1962)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1962 Oct 18 p. 8

Birth date: 1872 Mar 24

text of obituary:

MRS. JOSEPH L. HOFER

Maria Wipf Hofer, daughter of Elias and Justina (Hofer) Wipf, was born in South Russia on March 24, 1872 and passed away quietly at the home of David S. W. Glanzers southwest of Bridgewater, S. D. on Sept. 20, 1962, reaching the age of 90 years, five months, and 26 days.

As a child of about seven years she came to America with her parents who located in the Bridgewater vicinity where she spent the greater part of her life.

She had the sad experience of losing her mother at a tender age. A few years later she also had the tragic experience of losing her stepmother, Maria, a brother and her grandfather who were victims of a tornado. On Nov. 22, 1891 she was united in marriage to Joseph L. Hofer by Rev. Paul Tschetter, In this union she was privileged to live for over 61 years. To this union ten children were born, three preceding her in death. Father also preceded her in death on Feb. 8, 1953.

Realizing her lost condition, she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized on March 15, 1921 by Rev. J. M Tschetter. She was received into the fellowship of the Salem K. M. B. church, of which she remained a faithful member to her death.

She leaves to mourn her death seven children: Mrs. David S. W. Glanzer of Bridgewater, Joe L. of Redlands, Calif., Elias L. of St. Paul, Minn., Mrs. John S. Mendel of Chicago, Ill., Jacob L. of Freeman, S. D., Mrs. Andrew S. Glanzer and David L. of Menno, S. D. She also leaves 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, six sisters and two brothers.

After father’s death she went to live with her oldest daughter, Mrs. David S. W. Glanzer. The last four years of her life she was confined to her bed, and received the best of care, love and devotion from her oldest daughter Elizabeth, son-in-law David, and grand daughter Mary.