Dwayne Hofer

Dwayne D. Hofer, 84, of Onida, passed away Sunday, August 7, 2016 at the Avera Oahe Manor in Gettysburg.

Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at Luce Funeral Home, Gettysburg. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at Grace Bible Church, Gettysburg, with Pastor Harvey Friez presiding.  Burial was held at the Onida Cemetery at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, with a reception to follow at the Phoenix Center, Onida.

Dwayne D. Hofer was born March 12, 1932 on the family farm northeast of Onida to Sam G. and Katy (Glanzer) Hofer. He attended country school and graduated from Onida High School in 1950. After high school Dwayne met the love of his life, Verda Wedel, at a youth gathering at Byron Bible Camp. They were married June 15, 1954 at Bethel Church, Yale, SD. They spent the next 60 years farming and raising their family.

Dwayne accepted Christ at age 12 during a camp meeting. His love for the Church and Bible were evident by his involvement in church leadership, teaching adult Sunday School, and leading Bible Studies. His desire to spread the gospel led him to become involved with the Gideons, where he was an active member for many years.

Dwayne loved farming and had a tremendous passion for the land. He spent most of his life pursuing innovative farming methods that would enhance stewardship and improve production. He was enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge with others, especially those beginning farming. In his last weeks he would really light up when his boys would come and talk about farming.

For over twenty years, Dwayne and Verda enjoyed wintering in Mesa, Arizona where they developed many close friendships. Meals and outings were shared and a favorite pastime was playing Five – Straight, which brought out Dwayne’s competitive nature. Dwayne loved having coffee with friends and strangers alike. One day at coffee in Arizona a friend commented about his knowledge of the Bible and suggested he lead a men’s Bible Study. Dwayne accepted the challenge and led a weekly study for over ten years. Dwayne was truly a man of God.

Dwayne was an avid fan of his seven grandchildren, cheering them on at sporting events, bragging about them at coffee, and sharing pictures of them with family and friends. He was especially concerned about their spiritual wellbeing; praying for them regularly, that they too would know the loving embrace of Jesus Christ. He truly demonstrated a “Father’s Love”.

Many of Dwayne’s hobbies and interests focused on the farm and family. He also enjoyed traveling to distant locations and seeing new sights. None of those sites compare to the glory of heaven that he is now experiencing.

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife, Verda of 62 years; sons: Rick (Darlene), Marty (Margie), Kevin (Joan), and daughter, Karla (Randy) Doerksen; seven grandchildren: Garth Hofer, Greer Hofer, Blake Doerksen, Brooke (Blake) Stucky, Lewis Hofer, Morris Hofer, and Jill Hofer; brother, LeRoy Hofer; nephews: Preston (Marjorie) Hofer, Quinten (Julie) Hofer; and niece, Pam Hofer.

Dwayne was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Darlene Hofer; and niece, Kathy Gailey.

Memorials may be directed to Gideons International.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Dwayne’s arrangements.