Jay Hoffer
February 8, 1952 ~ July 11, 2023
Jay R. Hoffer (JR), 71, Fargo, North Dakota, passed away July 11, 2023.
JR was born February 8, 1952, in Los Angeles, California. JR moved with his family back to Tappen, where he attended and graduated from Tappen High School.
JR started working at the family business, Haps Conoco, in Tappen. He moved to Bismarck where he worked for Burlington Northern Railroad. His work took him to Havre, Montana and eventually to Fargo, where he settled. JR took an early retirement from the railroad.
JR was a people person and enjoyed interacting with people wherever he went. He especially enjoyed tailgating at NDSU games, concerts, and meeting people at local hangouts. JR formed lifelong friendships in both Tappen and Fargo. Once people met JR, they never forgot him. He was definitely one of a kind!
JR is survived by his daughter Megan (Matt) Benson; granddaughter Ava; brothers Gerry Hoffer (special sister-in-law Edene or “Rosie” as JR liked to call her), Jim (Bev) Wiebe; nephew Todd (Jaymee) Hoffer; nieces Lori Hoffer and Lisa (Bruce) Gamble, Great nephews and niece Joshua Hoffer, Markus Gamble, and Sarah Hoffer; and special friends Mike “Mel” & Susan Brekke & Family, and Hank Ternes.
JR is preceded in death by his father Huldrich “Hap” Hoffer; his mother, Pauline Hoffer; and his son Cameron Hoffer.
JR fought a hard battle after his cancer diagnosis, and he did it with courage and bravery.
Our family would like to extend a special thank you to all JR’s friends, especially Mike “Mel” Brekke & Family- there are no words that can express how much you meant to Jay and therefore to us. All the staff who cared for JR at Essentia Health Care and the cancer center where he received his treatments-thank you.
We would like to thank Dr. Posch and Ashley Lordeman for everything- you did an outstanding job, the kindness and care you rendered to JR was incredible. You went above and beyond.
JR will be sadly missed by all his friends and family.
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J.R. – my best friend – I can’t tell you how much I will miss you. We had so many laughs over the years. Things won’t be the same without you in my life. You are going to be missed!
Jean (aka Wilma)
I knew JR through family and work. He would always meet up with us for the Fox 107.9 Fri radio nights. He even helped my parents move some things in their home. I ran into him while doctoring st Essentia and he was still optimistic at that time. RIP my friend until we meet again.
I knew J R through work. He was quite the personality, always joking and always had a smile on his face. You knew you would always have a friend in him. R.I.P. JR, you will be greatly missed by many.
I’m at a loss for words. JR was a one of a kind person that could light up a room with his smile. He always had a story or a joke to tell..
I’m grateful for the many years of our friendship and blessed to have worked with him at BNSF.
JR fought his battle with cancer with dignity and he’ll be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. He’ll no longer be in pain. Thank you JR for always being there to support my family when my sister Kari fought her battle with cancer. You’ll be forever remembered and greatly missed. 😊❤
Susan & I just heard the news about our dear friend JR, and the car became silent for a few miles. It’s never easy, especially when it’s someone who touched you in so many ways. Yes he was the guy who always had a genuine smile, and a laugh that I think can hear right now, when Susan or I needed guidance his ear was always there for us, just like a brother he was and I will always think of him that way… Rest in peace JR (Cisco)… The Steffens
JR,
You were truly one of a kind. I will never forget your stories, nicknames, and all the good times we had together. I am in shock you are gone. I have had the privilege of spending birthdays, holidays and hot summer nights on the porch together. You even drove my wedding cakes across North Dakota for me on my wedding day. We love you JR. Thank you for the friendship you gave all of my family, especially my mom, “Will-ma”.
We love you JR! I hope the glory of Heaven is surrounding you, give Kari a hug for me.
Love,
The Model