Delano W. Hofer, age 87, of rural Yale, passed away at home with his family by his side, Monday, October 24, 2022.

His funeral service was held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, October 27, at Bethel Mennonite Brethren Church. Burial followed in the church cemetery.  His funeral service was live-streamed through the church's website. 

Visitation was 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be directed to:  James Valley Christian School, 1550 Dakota Avenue N, Huron, South Dakota 57350  ,  Byron Bible Camp, 40546 S. Shore Rd, Huron, South Dakota 57350. 

 View Delano's Funeral Folder 

Delano William Hofer was born in March of 1935, to Zack M. and Susie (Stahl) Hofer. Delano grew up on their family farm with 8 siblings and he graduated from Yale High School in 1953. He continued his education at Northern State College, Grace Bible Institute (1959), Omaha, Nebraska, and Huron College.

In June of 1961, Delano married Dorathy Ann Hofer - her parents were Herman and Susie (Stahl) Hofer. Dorathy Ann – after the sudden death of her mother during childbirth in 1948 – along with baby brother, Bruce, and brother, Norman, were raised and cared for by her father's brother, her uncle, Edward, and Sarah (Tschetter) Hofer.)

As newlyweds, Delano and Dorathy moved their first home onto the Hofer Homestead (SD Century Farm - 2005) and at the same time added indoor plumbing. Delano farmed and raised livestock with his brother, Paulie, and father, Zack. They also raised two children on the open South Dakota prairie.

In 1995, his beautiful wife, Dorathy Ann unexpectedly passed away. In the years that followed, Delano continued his steadfast devotion to his family and his faith in the Good Shepard's provisions. Delano's earthly hope was to have his Hofer Farm work continue to prosper and bless the next generation through his son and two grandsons. His eternal hope was to be joyfully reunited in eternity with each member of his God-given family.

Delano relied on his Bible-based education as a faithful member and teacher at the rural Bethel Church for decades. His belief in Christian education was firm and led to his support over the years to James Valley Christian School. One of the ways he enjoyed supporting the JVCS was to offer gallons of homemade soup at the annual benefit auction. He very much enjoyed fellowship around a table at mealtime. Delano also believed his mission as a farmer was to help feed his family and other neighbors in our world.

Delano was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dorathy Ann; his sister, Genevieve (Wesley) Fast of Iroquois; his brother, Delbert (Ardella) Hofer of Illinois; two sisters-in-law, LaVonne (Leroy) Hintz and Carol (Hank) Cypher; and three brothers-in-law, Allen (La Vonne) Hofer, Bill (Judy) Hofer and Richard (Carol) Hofer.

Grateful for having shared his life are his daughter, Dawn (Shawn) Tornow of Sioux Falls; his son, D.J. (Delano Edward) Hofer of Yale; six grandchildren, Chisum (Mandy) Hofer, Madisen (Eli) Larson/McGeHee, Payton Hofer, Megan Tornow, Jordan (Kali) Tornow and Joshua Tornow; and four great-grandchildren, Ethan, Cora, Tayten and Isaiah.

Delano will also be missed by his four sisters, Susan (d. Pierre) Glanzer, Rita (d. Bob) Goehring, Barbara (Palmer) Hohm, and Margaret Maass, all of Huron; two brothers, Leonard (d. Correne) Hofer of Ohio and Paulie Hofer of Huron; two brothers-in-law, Norman (Delores) Hofer and Bruce (Gayle) Hofer; one sister-in-law, Charlotte (David) Gamber; and many nieces and nephews.

 We will miss him greatly; and we are grateful for his eternal victory through his Savior, Jesus Christ. 

 View Delano's Floral Arrangements