Verlyn Hofer

Verlyn Hofer, age 99, of Lennox, SD, passed away May 30, 2025, at Good Samaritan Luther Manor Nursing Home, Sioux Falls, SD. Verlyn Hofer passed away into the loving arms of Jesus on May 30, 2025, at the age of 99, exactly one week before what would have been his 100th birthday. Verlyn Virgil Hofer was born at home on June 6, 1925, in Davis, SD, to Edward and Cora (Ulberg) Hofer joining a sister Vivian. At the age of 3, he and his family were displaced by a tornado which destroyed their family home and business (The Davis Eagle newspaper). Verlyn would call Lennox home for the next 90 years. Verlyn graduated from the Lennox High School class of 1943. He was drafted into the US Army during World War II after high school serving in France and Germany with the 62nd Armored Infantry Battalion of the 14th Armored Division from 1944 to 1945. Being injured in combat, Verlyn was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. In 2023, he was also honored by the French government with the prestigious French Legion of Honor medal. Following the war, Verlyn returned to South Dakota and studied journalism at South Dakota State University and Augustana College. On June 10, 1948, Verlyn and Mary Ann (Ness) were married at West Prairie Lutheran Church by Rev. Richard Nelson. Verlyn and Mary enjoyed a celebration of their 75th wedding anniversary with an open house gathering of friends and family in June 2023. Of all facets of Verlyn's life, he considered Mary and their children his biggest gift in life. Verlyn ultimately acquired the Lennox Independent from his father Edward continuing the family business and serving the Lennox community. With the help of Mary, their four children, and numerous loyal employees throughout the years, he dedicated his career to the operation and publication of The Lennox Independent and the custom printing business (Lennox Show Print). After selling the newspaper in 1992, Verlyn continued to contribute a weekly article for many years offering up his insights, wit and wisdom concerning local, regional and national events. Verlyn was known as a leader of the Lennox community, a patriotic veteran, a storyteller with an amazing memory for details, a family man and a servant in his church. Verlyn was a lifelong member of First English Lutheran Church teaching Sunday school for 30 years, serving on church counsel, building committee, church centennial committee and singing in the choir and quartet. After the war, Verlyn served as editor of the newsletter for the 14th Armored Division Association for over 25 years and also served as president in 2001. As a member of the SD Newspaper Association, he served on the board of directors and was president for one year. This organization elected him to the South Dakota Newspaper Hall of Fame. Other notable group associations of Verlyn's were Lennox American Legion Post for 80 years, Lennox Commercial Club, Boy Scout member and leader, Lennox Municipal Band member of over 20 years, charter member of the Lennox Development Corp, Lennox Centennial Commission, Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, Lennox Area Community Fund board member, Lennox High School Alumni Assoc. board member, Disabled American Veterans, PTA, Lennox Historical Society, Lennox City Planning and Zoning Commission, Lennox "Trees for Tomorrow" committee, and Lennox Senior Citizens Meals on Wheels volunteer. Verlyn was preceded in death by his wife of 75 years Mary Ann (Ness) Hofer, his son David Hofer, his parents, his parents-in-law, his sister Vivian Renz, and all of his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Verlyn is survived by his sons Doug (Carolyn) Hofer of Pierre, Bill (Holly) Hofer of Sioux Falls, and his daughter Becky (David) Wensink of Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, daughter-in-law Rhonda Arens of Crofton, NE; grandchildren Laurie (Derrick) Yeager, Jon (Michelle) Hofer, Rachel Brice, Jordan (Keyanne) Hofer, Tommy (Kia) Hofer, Jaime (Marlon) Lobban, Mitchell (Ann) Hofer, Michael Hofer, Mariah (Adam) Weber, Zach (Rachel) Wensink, Sam (Sarah) Wensink, Emily (Jonathan) Gabrielse, and Joshua (fiancé Kelsey) Wensink; 27 great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives. A service celebrating Verlyn's life and his eternal homecoming will be held at First English Lutheran Church in Lennox on Tuesday, June 3 at 10:00 am. Visitation with the family will be held on Monday, June 2 from 5:00-7:00 pm also at the church which includes prayer and time of sharing beginning at 6:30 pm. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Union Gospel Mission of Sioux Falls, Wounded Warrior Project, or Children's Home Society of South Dakota, which were all organizations near and dear to Verlyn's heart.

Verlyn Hofer

June 6, 1925 - May 30, 2025

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