Donald Hofer

Funeral Services for Donald Claude Hofer of Wheaton will be held Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at the St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton with Pastor Anthony Ahrendt officiating. Visitation for Don will be held at the church Tuesday evening from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. Pallbearers will be: Todd Schmitz, Dave Schmitz, Tony Wetterling, Dan Wetterling, Roger Budke, Arvid Anderson, Roger Schmitz, and Jerry Fischer. Interment will be at Wildwood Cemetery in Wheaton. Donald passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 16th at his home with his family by his side. Don was 70 years old. Don was born in Wheaton on February 8, 1941 to Claude and Mildred (Hauschild) Hofer. He grew up on the family farm near Wheaton and graduated from Wheaton High School in 1959. On September 29, 1962, Don married Emily Grace Cota at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville, Minnesota. Together they raised four children. Don worked at several Wheaton businesses, starting with The Farmers Store which later became the Wheaton Department Store. He spent many years at Andys Red Owl and stayed with the store when it became Willys Super Valu. He also spent some time at Power Sentry. Don was a member for several years of the Wheaton Fire Department. He loved playing cards, hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time with his family, grand and great grandchildren. Don is survived by his wife Grace, four children: Todd (Lisa Tadych) Hofer of St. Cloud, Minnesota, Pam Rath of Rosholt, South Dakota, Lee (Joelle) Hofer of West Fargo, and Kurt (Jody) Hofer of Wheaton. Don also has one sister, Marilyn Chalupnik of Buffalo, Minnesota and a brother, Jim (Mary Jo) Hofer of Staples, Minnesota, a sister-in-law, Karen Hofer of Howard Lake, Minnesota, eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Derald Toby and brother-in-law, Emil Chalupnik.