Earl Hofer
October 30, 1954 ~ July 25, 2025
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Earl Hofer, devoted husband, father, grandfather, teacher and friend, went home to be with the Lord on July 25, 2025. Earl was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on October 30, 1954 and made his home in Wichita, Kansas in 1978. Earl had been a long-time member of First Mennonite Brethren Church (now Ridgepoint Church) and modeled a life of faith and unwavering trust in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Earl married Suzanne Kroeker on June 27, 1980 in Freeman, South Dakota. They were married until her untimely passing in 2005. He found love again when he married Elizabeth “Liz” Schmidt on May 28, 2011.
Earl taught for over 40 years in the Clearwater School District, a place near to his heart. Affectionately known as “Mr. Hofer,” Earl has touched countless lives in his role as an educator. His kindness, wisdom, and ability to relate to his students and colleagues left a lasting impact on the lives of those who were blessed to know him.
Earl was preceded in death by his wife, Suzanne (Kroeker) Hofer; parents, Joe E. Hofer and Alma E. (Glanzer) Hofer; as well as numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins.
He is survived by his wife, Liz Hofer (Schmidt); son, Tim Hofer and wife Lynette; daughter, Brittany Wilker (Hofer) and husband Trenton; step-son, Ben Schmidt and wife Courtney; step-daughters, Emily Bartel (Schmidt) and husband Aaron, and Kari Leal (Schmidt) and husband Ivan; fourteen precious grandchildren: Jordan, Brantley, and Joey Hofer; Ellie, Kenna, Caleb, and Joshua Wilker; Leah, Samuel, and Noah Bartel; Hazel, Elisabeth, and Mari Schmidt; and Luca Leal; brothers, Dan Hofer and wife Jane, and Orlando Hofer; many nieces, nephews, and beloved extended family members.
Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Downing and Lahey West Mortuary. Graveside Service will be at 9:00 am, on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Buhler East Municipal Cemetery, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am at Ridgepoint Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Ridgepoint Church. They will be used to assist his niece, Anne, in establishing her medical missionary non-profit to continue her family’s work in providing healthcare to those in Honduras.
Services
Visitation: Wednesday, July 30, 2025 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Downing & Lahey West Mortuary
10515 W. Maple
Wichita, KS 67209
Graveside Service: Thursday, July 31, 2025 9:00 am
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Earl Hofer 's name.
Ridgepoint Church
8000 West 21st Street North
Wichita,
KS
67205
Memories Timeline
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Earl and I met in 1978 when we both started teaching at Christian Challenge Elementary School. We then were neighbors in 1981 when we built our new homes in South Wichita behind each other. We spent many fun times wallpapering Timmy’s nursery trying to get the lines straight and helping each other as we raised our young children. One late night, Timmy had a cold and Earl and Suzanne were sick with the cold, too and so very tired. They called me around midnight and I walked over and sat rocking Timmy so they all could get some sleep. I will never forget in November 1986 when Earl volunteered to pick up my mother at the airport when I was having emergency surgery the next morning. Earl and Suzanne were always there to help in pinch! Paul and I stayed in contact with Earl and Suzanne through Christmas letters and on Facebook visiting when they moved to their new home in west Wichita. Paul was so happy to attend Earl and Liz’s wedding in 2011. Earl will be missed for his kindness, helpfulness, and love of teaching.
Paul and Shirley Meissner
Sending love and prayers.
Mr Hofer was my third grade teacher at Christian Challenge I was in his first class. I remember as an 8 year old thinking he was kind and a fun teacher. He taught us to play around the world to learn our multiplication facts. I ran into Mr Hofer about 5 years ago and asked are you Mr Hofer and he smiled and said yes. He looked at me for just a little bit and asked me were you Wendy Loyd. I was amazed he remembered me! He still had that kind face and tender eyes I remembered as a third grader.
Math was never my strong suit, but he never gave up on me. He would take the time for one-on-one lessons, always with a sense of encouragement and a smile. I used to joke around during those sessions, and I remember him saying, “One day, when I’m old and in a nursing home, I’ll look back and remember your sense of humor.” That stuck with me.
Mr. Hofer, thank you for your kindness, your dedication, and the light you brought into your classroom. You will always be remembered as a truly wonderful human being. Sending love, prayers, and heartfelt condolences to your family.