Hofer, Paul E. (1905-1973)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1973 Mar 22 p. 10

Birth date: 1905 Feb 8

text of obituary:

PAUL E. HOFER

Paul E. Hofer was born to John J. A. and Elizabeth (Hofer) Hofer on Feb. 8, 1905 on a farm near the Clayton vicinity, Hutchinson County, South Dakota.

His early Christian training by his parents and attendance at Sunday school and church services influenced him deeply, so he had a great desire to serve his Lord faithfully through his life. During a revival meeting conducted by Rev. P. P. Tschetter he accepted Jesus as his personal Savior. After instruction in God’s Word, he and a class of 30 other believers were baptized on Sept. 13, 1925, and became members of the Hutterthal Mennonite Church near Freeman, S. D. He remained a faithful member until his death.

He was active in church service. Whenever there were duties to perform for the church or Christian education our father was willing, serving as Sunday school teacher, superintendent, building committee member and youth sponsor. He served for many years on the Freeman College board of directors.

On Aug. 28, 1927 he was married to Annie L. Hofer by Rev. P. P. Tschetter. They established their home on a farm about six miles southeast of Bridgewater, S. D., and resided there until his death.

He enjoyed good health throughout his life, except the last few months. He entered the Freeman Hospital where tests soon revealed he was suffering from leukemia. He fell asleep in Jesus on Jan. 19, 1973 at the Freeman Hospital, reaching the age of 67. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother in infancy, and one infant granddaughter, Cynthia Ann Mendel.

He leaves to mourn his wife, Annie; two sons, Norman and Paul Jr.; one son-in-law, Jonathan Mendel; one daughter-in-law, Darlene; six grandchildren; four brothers, John, David, and Amos of Dolton, S. D. and Joe of Bridgewater.

Prayer services were held on Saturday evening, Rev. Laverne Rutschman officiating. Funeral services were at the Hutterthal church near Freeman on Sunday, Jan. 21, with Rev. Vernon Lohrentz in charge. He was laid to rest in the Hutterthal Cemetery near Freeman.