Michael Hofer
August 18, 1956 ~ January 13, 2018
Michael M. Hofer was born on August 18, 1956 by Michael and Rebecca Hofer in Ethan, SD. Michael married Debra Dovenmuehler on September 3, 1977 in Fargo, ND where they resided throughout their 40 years of marriage.
Michael was a member of the True North Steel family where he began about 30 years ago as a layout man and worked his way through the company’s transition from its original Fargo Tank founding to what it has become today. Michael’s diverse talents have allowed him to work in a vast number of fields including rebar repair and replacement, building classic cars, quality assurance, carpentry, sewer installation, and manufacturing supervision.
Having been raised within a Hutterite colony by Michael and Rebecca, Michael was always a believer, but never truly participated within organized religion as that was not his calling for worship. Michael always believed there was a higher power. On January 13, 2018, he joined his parents and two brothers, Harold and Daniel. While he was with us, he passed his time fishing, hunting, and most recently, broom making.
Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie Hofer; his two sons, Ryan Hofer of Portsmouth, Va and Justin Hofer of Jackson, Mn; his three grand-children, Elijah, Ethan, and Jenny Hofer; and his ten remaining brothers and sisters: Shirley (George) Waldner, Hilda (Edward) Tscetter, Paulina (John) Waldner, Tim (Susan) Hofer, Willy (Kristi) Hofer, Simon (Susan) Hofer,
Maryann (Johnny) Stahl, Helen (Tom) Waldner, Leah (Zack) Tschetter, George (Naomi) Hofer; and numerous Aunts and Uncles, Nieces and Nephews, and Cousins.
Michael chose to be cremated and desired his remains be distributed across the most important places near and dear to his heart. A portion of his remains are to be spread upon the burials of his Mother, Father, and Brothers in Flandreau, SD; The Long Bridge Resort and Marina in Detroit Lakes where Michael spent almost every weekend of every summer with his sons Justin and Ryan; and Debbie will retain a small portion next to her heart every day.
The Hofer family would like to thank the staff and doctors of Essentia Health for the care and compassion shown to Michael and the entire Hofer Family. The love and empathy demonstrated over the past several days has made the most difficult time of our lives more bearable.
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Deb and family, we are very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. We are praying you will be comforted by all the good memories of your husband, dad and grandpa.
Maynard and Nancy Halland
Mike will be deeply missed .Thoughts and prayers to Deb and family . I am so sorry for your loss💔🌹
Deb (and family),
I was so shocked and saddened to hear about Mike. I know this is a difficult time but all of us former OJ’ers are here for you guys if you need anything.
Deb, Ryan and family, We are all so sad to hear about Mike. He was so well liked and we will miss him dearly. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Jen (Swanson) Cossette (work at TrueNorth Steel)
Swanies
Deb & Family,
I had the pleasure of working with Mike at TNS these last three years. I was so sad to hear of his passing. He was such a great guy, always willing to help and always down for a laugh. I will miss having him around and will be thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Deb, and family, I know words are hard to find to express how much sorrow and grief your family is in right now, but, please try to find comfort in the fact that Mike is now in the hands of the Lord. I worked with Mike for over 30 years, he was a great man. He always had a great sense of humor, and always a witty saying. I know he will be missed by many, and someday we will meet up again. God bless you, and your family, during this difficult time.
Wishing blessings for your family . . . When I was a teacher in Hope in 1963 – 1965 I shopped at Hofer’s grocery store and enjoyed having Mike in my sixth grade class. In his fifth grade we did trampoline and music class together.
Our deepest condolences to the Hofer family, we our so sorry to hear of your loss. May your amazing memories of Mike get you through these difficult times.
Deepest sympathies during your time of loss. May the memory of love shared comfort you in the days ahead.
We are so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I was able to work with Mike at TNS and he was always so kind and fun to talk with. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
I am so sorry for your loss Deb. You and your family are in my thoughts during this very difficult time.
We will deeply miss Mike,so sorry to hear of his passing. We enjoyed visiting with him and his son at Elk Horn Lodge last summer. This will remain in our hearts forever. Blessing to the family.
🙁
Praying for comfort and peace for all the family
God Bless.
God’s Blrssings to all .❤❤
Debbie,Ryan & Justin
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. All my best to you and all the family. Keep your memories close and forever.
~Mitch Solberg~
Deb and families. My deepest sympathy to you all.
May you find comfort and peace during this very difficult.
Debbie and Family:
I had the privilege to work with Mike a couple of years and got to share a lot of laughs and good times with Mike. Mike and you were some of the first Friends that I got to know when I moved to Fargo. Didn’t get to see Mike to much, but I would bump into him a couple times a year at different places and got to visit a bit.I always looked forward to when the next time we would meet up. Saddened to see that he had passed away. You and your Family have my deepest sympathy.
Deb, Ryan, Justin, Willy, Kristy, and of course Elijah, Ethan, and Jenny, My heart hurts for all of you, and is personally broken. Mike has always had a special place in my heart and I know you must be deeply hurting. I pray you will find peace and strength in this hard time, and I send you all of my Love.
Deb, Ryan and Justin,
I am sorry to hear about Mike. My families thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sandy
I was extremely saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this most difficult time.
Although we didn’t know Michael very well, as he only moved here a year or so ago, we always enjoyed looking at the beautiful plants that he grew and would stop to chat when we were out for a ride on our 3 wheel bikes. We were truly shocked to hear of his passing.
Our sincere thoughts and prayers for God’s peace and comfort to his family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in this difficult time.