Harvey J. Hofer, 93

Harvey J. Hofer, 93, of Freeman, S.D., passed away peacefully on Monday, July 1, 2025, at Oakview Terrace Nursing Home in Freeman. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 10 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Freeman beginning at 3 p.m. Inurnment will be held on a later date.
Harvey was born on June 22, 1932, to Joseph and Annie (Kleinsasser) Hofer, He was one of four children. Harvey grew up working on the farm in rural Freeman and attended Freeman Academy. He later married Diane Hofer on August 19, 1956, and started his own farming operation.

Alongside his lifelong dedication to farming, Harvey served honorably in the U.S. Army during the early 1950s, giving two years of his life in service to his country. After his time in the military, he returned home to continue pursuing his passion for farming, where he remained a steady presence in his community and a devoted provider for his family.

Harvey had a deep love for adventure and owned a 1947 Harley Panhead with a suicide shift, which he rode cross-country with his cousin, exploring all 48 contiguous states. While farming was his true passion, Harvey also thrived as a farm equipment mechanic. He worked for several years at the implement shop in Bridgewater, all while maintaining his own farm. Throughout his life, Harvey found great joy in his work on the farm, but it was the time spent with his family that he cherished the most.

He is survived by his lovely wife Diane of 68 years; daughter Teresa (Leslie) Whitewolf; three sons: Tim (Belinda) Hofer, Troy Hofer and Jay Hofer; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; siblings Delmer (Shirley) Hofer and Arlyss Brockmueller; and many other nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding him in death were his parents; sister Deloris; grandson Levi; great-granddaughter Ariah; and son-in-law Leslie.