Marvin Lewis Hoffer, 87, of Bridgewater, SD, formerly of Platte and Winner, passed to his eternal rest on Monday, Aug. 28, 2017 at the Diamond Care Center in Bridgewater surrounded by his family.
Funeral Services were held 2 p.m.. Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church in Mitchell, SD. A Committal Service with Military Honors followed at Green Hill Cemetery in Alexandria, SD.
Marvin Lewis Hoffer was born on March 9, 1930 in Reliance, SD to Mike and Edith (Harmon) Hoffer, joining a brother, Ronald and a sister, Wilma. At a young age, the family relocated to Presho, where Marvin attended Presho High School, excelled in sports and graduated in 1948.
While living in Presho, he met the love of his life, Carol Grace Cross. They were married on Oct. 29, 1950 and were blessed with five children.
Being of service to his country and community was of utmost importance to Marvin. He served his country in the US Army during the Korean War, returning home with a rank of Corporal.
Upon his return from the service, the Hoffer’s moved to Winner where Marvin finished his enlistment through the Winner National Guard. He worked at Winner Gas & Electric and eventually ran his own business, P&H Electric. He joined the Winner Post Office in 1961 as a substitute mail carrier. In 1978, he was appointed Postmaster in Bonesteel and officer in charge of the Tyndall Post Office. In 1981, he received the appointment as Platte Postmaster, where he worked until his retirement in 1992 after 31 years with the US Postal Service.
After retiring from the US Postal Service, along with his wife, Carol, Marvin became an owner/proprietor of MarCar Enterprises, a candy/vending business. MarCar was derived from combining Marvin and Carol’s names.
Marvin was a member of the Winner United Methodist Church, proudly serving in many capacities. Upon moving to Platte, Marvin and Carol joined the Olive Presbyterian Church where he was an elder and served on various church committees.
While living in Platte, Marvin was instrumental in bringing the Lyric Theater to the community, as well as serving on the Museum board, assisting with the relocation and upgrading of the museum.
Marvin loved giving of himself and was affiliated with many organizations that served and assisted others. He served on the Self Development of People National Committee for five years traveling to Haiti, El Salvador, Costa Rica and other places to set up grants for training camps. He worked to bring the SDCHIP (South Dakota Child Identification Program) to Platte. SDCHIP is an initiative of the Masons to gather standardized information and fingerprints of children in order to provide Law Enforcement with important tools to assist in the speedy and safe recovery of missing children.
Throughout his life, Marvin was a member and officer in many fraternal organizations: 35 year Mason where he held all offices at a local level, including District Master and reached the level of 32nd Degree Mason, Big Bend Shriner’s Club, Eastern Star, Odd Fellows and Rebekahs. He was the South Dakota State President for NAPUS (National Association of Postmasters of the United States) and a 50-year member of the American Legion.
In addition to serving his church, his community and his country, Marvin loved playing cards, Farkle and other board games, spending time with his family and hand-cranking homemade ice cream. He and Carol enjoyed square dancing and hosting card parties. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face.
Remembered by those who loved him: four children: Marcia (Terry) Kindt of Mitchell, SD, Karla (Greg) Farrar of Hurley, SD, Darrel (Gloria) Hoffer of North Glen, CO and Leyna (Jeff) Hoffer of Eagan, MN; a special friend, Colette Van Hecke of Ethan, SD; nine grandchildren: Rebecca (Clarence) Hermanson, Dan (Chelsey) Kindt, Paul (Samantha) Kindt, Brad (Allison) Farrar, Jessica (Jim) Haneke, Clint Farrar, Zach Dietz, Christopher (Crystal) Cantin and Alex Hoffer; 18 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and “honorary” children.
Those who have gone before: his wife of 54 years, Carol (Cross) Hoffer (June 8, 2005); a son, Marvin Curtis Hoffer; grandson, Donald Kindt; his parents, Mike and Edith Hoffer; sister, Wilma Meyer; brother, Ronald Hoffer; and in-laws, Lloyd and Lorraine Cross.
Memorials in Marvin’s honor may be directed to: Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 or First Presbyterian Church, 500 East 5th Ave., Mitchell, SD 57301.
Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through mountfuneralhome.com.
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