David Harvey Hofer

BENKELMAN -- David Harvey Hofer, 67, died Sunday (March 03, 2002) at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman.

He was born April 19, 1934, to Harvey and Alice (Bunning) Hofer in Pine River, Minn.  He attended a rural school east of Benkelman, and graduated from high school at the Platte Valley Church School in Shelton in 1952.

After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Jan. 25, 1956, where he served for two years aboard the USS Newport News, Atlantic Fleet.  He remained a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve until Jan. 24, 1962.

On Jan. 24, 1959, he married Sally Anstine at Seward. He lived near Seward and Staplehurst, working at the Burlington Northern Railroad shop in Lincoln until Aug. 1, 1978, when he moved to the family homestead near Benkelman where he farmed and ranched for 24 years. 

He was a member of American Legion Post No. 65 of Benkelman, and was a past member of the Staplehurst Volunteer Fire Department where he also trained in Emergency Medical Services. He was a leader of Boy Scout Troop 255, and was a hunter safety course instructor.    He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Alice Hofer.

Survivors include his wife, Sally; daughter Angie and husband, Russell Stamm of Benkelman; sons, Greg and wife, Diane Hofer of Seward, Shawn and wife, Terry Hofer of Ogallala; three brothers, Lynn Hofer and wife, Carol Hofer of Seward, Alan Hofer, Robert and wife, Latisha Hofer, all of Rock Springs, Wyo.; three sisters-in-law, Kathleen and husband, Del Peters of Seward, Becky and husband, Ward Grosser of Tioga, Texas, Candy Herrold of Seward; two brothers-in-law, Paul Anstine of Kona, Hawaii, Don and wife, Kathy Anstine of Seward; and five grandchildren.

Services will be Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. Norman Prather officiating.  Interment with military honors will follow services at the Benkelman Cemetery. 

Visitation will be at Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  At the family's request, the casket will remain closed.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman is in charge of arrangements.