John T. Hofer, age 71

John T. Hofer, age 71, of Huron, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, at the Huron Regional Medical Center.

His memorial service was held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 7, at the American Lutheran Church. His service was live-streamed through the Kuhler Funeral Home website.

John T. Hofer was born July 21, 1951, to Herbert H. and Elsie M. (Barber) Hofer at Huron. He grew up and attended school in Huron and graduated from Huron High School in 1969. During his high school career, John was on the wrestling team and played in a rock and roll band around central South Dakota. John attended Huron College, continued to play in his band and worked at the college cafeteria. He later became the assistant manager at the college cafeteria.

From 1972 to 1977, he was the food service manager at Dakota Wesleyan University at Mitchell. He transferred to Avila College in Kansas City, Missouri. In December of 1977, he started as the school nutrition director for the Huron Public Schools.

Shortly after returning to Huron, he went back to college to finish his degree. On July 8, 1980, he placed second in the nation in the Business Administration contest at the Phi Beta Lambda National Convention in Washington D.C. In 1983, he graduated from Huron College with a degree in business administration.

On July 9, 1988, John married Karen J. Willuweit at Huron.

He was the editor of the South Dakota Food Service Association newsletter for ten years. During his years at Huron Public Schools, he helped design the kitchen at the middle school.

John was a member of the American Lutheran Church, South Dakota School Food Service Association, American School Food Service Association, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers and Handgun Control.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one nephew, Philip Inskeep.

Grateful for having shared in his life are his wife, Karen of Huron; his brother, Herbert C. Hofer of Brandon; his sister, Dorothy Inskeep of Mitchell; five nieces and nephews; eight great-nieces and great-nephews; and one great-great-niece.

Visit www.kuhlerfuneralhome.com