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Richard Hofstetter Obituary
Nashville - 63, passed away October 1, 2019. He was born August 27, 1956 to the late Alexander and Jane Hofstetter. Rick received his Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree from Indiana University where he was on the swim team from 1972 until 1976 and still holds the title of many records. He received his Juris Doctorate from Duke University Law School. Rick began his law career in Indianapolis for several years, and was a law professor for Butler and Indiana University. Rick fought to preserve many of Indiana's most distinguished historic landmarks. He served as the first president of the Athenaeum Foundation, Inc., an effort which saved the Athenaeum building in downtown Indianapolis and earned Rick the Sandi Servaas Award for Historic Preservation in 1992. Rick purchased the town of Story in 1998 and made preservation of this Hoosier historic landmark a true labor of love. Rick also recently wrote a book, Kentuckiana Roads.
Visitation will be Friday, October 11, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 3:00 p.m. at Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel, 9606 East Washington Street.
Rick is survived by his children, Ingrid (Jose) Rodriguez, Karl (Kiely) Hofstetter, Anna Hofstetter and Rich Hofstetter; grandchildren, Sophia Rodriguez, Isabelle Rodriguez, Alexander Woods, Alanna Woods and Olive Hofstetter; brother, Alexander Hofstetter; sister, Jane Krebs; companion, Justine Fearnow; and beloved dog, "Snow". www.shirleybrothers.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Hofstetter
Lindsay Trameri
October 21, 2019
I knew Rick as Professor Hofstetter just a couple years ago at Butler. He taught us international business law and frequently brought his dog Snow with him to class, much to our enjoyment and appreciation. You could really tell they had a genuinely special bond. His love for teaching the next generation was evident, and he had exceptionally creative eloquence when connecting concepts to modern day current events and politics. Our class was predominately seniors (21+) so he even extended a personal invitation for us to attend his upcoming wine festival at the Story Inn. A very colorful man I will not soon forget. Will have to make a trip to Story in his honor soon.
Colin Hampton
October 14, 2019
I first heard about Rick when I started swimming my junior year in high school. I would see his times listed in Swimming World. I was not a breaststroker nor was I as talented a swimmer. It amazed me that a breaststroker could swim so fast. Rick was always listed with Hencken, Job and Wilke; individuals already lauded as legends. When I met him he was across the hall, in MRC, at IU. I was immediately impressed with his humility, humor and obvious intelligence. During our lives at IU we became friends and we gained respect for each other. Aside from how fast he swam, including one time he swam an NCAA qualifying 50 free, his cogent and logical perspective on politics and others topics maturing college students discuss was always interesting and enlightening. Rick was very direct in his approach. I, for one, appreciated his matter of fact opinions. However, what I respected most during our discussions was while he conveyed his opinion, he enjoyed the respectful difference of opinion. He enjoyed the challenge, meaning the journey to ensure what we understood was in fact a supportable conclusion. I last saw Rick at Marges Memorial. I had spoken to him a handful of times since we graduated but we picked up where we left off; holding each other as teammates, friends and appreciation for each others accomplishments as swimmers and since our graduation. I will remember Rick fondly and appreciate him as a good and kind soul. I like the thought of Rick swimming in peace. I will miss him.
Bruce Rogers
October 10, 2019
Oh Rick, Rick, ... my dear friend ..., I am so sad. Such memories we shared, from age group swimming together as early as before our teen years (despite our living in different countries), to sharing your visit to Canada one year for a swim meet, our attending Indiana University and being on the swim team there together, to keeping in touch from time to time and attending reunions thereafter. You always impressed me, Rick. You will be missed very much. May we meet again in the end my friend, and may you rest in peace until then. And may your family be at peace.
Your friend always,
Bruce Rogers, Canada
October 10, 2019
We enjoyed working with Rick; he will be missed both here and at the Story Inn!
How you can show support
October 10, 2019
Rick will be missed by so many and his wonderful Story Inn. We know where is Ghost will be...
Missing him David and Terri Young, Indianapolis.
Gregory Travis
October 10, 2019
Rick was a student of my late father's in the 1970s. I knew him as a kid back then and then again when he bought the Story Inn in 1998. I used to love going there and reminiscing about the old days and the days when my wife and her accordion band would play the venue.
Maria Tamer
October 9, 2019
Heartbreaking loss. May Rick Swim in Eternal Peace ❤
Denzio's
October 9, 2019
So saddened to lose this man. My husband and I shared many dinners at Story Inn ...enjoying the wonderful, unique atmosphere, music & ambience Rick created. We have retired to Naples but Rick created some of our best Brown County memories. Forever grateful to him & his legacy.
Tim & Darby Casady
October 8, 2019
Oh my, our heartfelt condolences go out to Rick's family and friends. As longtime part time neighbors and lovers of Story and the area, we will miss our good friend, his cocked and smiling face, ready with the next tale of life swimming behind the iron curtain, law and politics, or fine wine or architecture. We ALWAYS could count on Rick to show special courtesies to our developmentally-challenged son. And for this alone, he will always be a king in our book.
Joe & Judy Persinger
October 8, 2019
To all the family: sending prayers for strength and peace at this difficult time; please know that friends do care and share your sorrow.
Molly Head
October 7, 2019
Rick always supported my own vision and creative ventures. There is place on earth as magical as Story.
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Memorial Events
for Richard Hofstetter
Oct
11
Visitation
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Shirley Brothers - Washington Memorial Chapel9606 E Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46229
Oct
11
Service
3:00 p.m.
Shirley Brothers - Washington Memorial Chapel9606 E Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46229
Funeral services provided by:
Shirley Brothers - Washington Memorial Chapel9606 E Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46229
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