Wayne Cofer

Wayne Cofer, 66, New Salem, passed away December 14, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, December 19, 2016 at St. Pius V Catholic Church, New Salem, ND with Father John Guthrie as Celebrant. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in New Salem, ND. Visitation will be held Sunday, December 18, 2016 from 4:00-7:30 pm at St. Pius Catholic Church in New Salem, with a Prayer Vigil at 7:30 pm. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Monday. Wayne was born on December 2, 1950 to John and Mildred (Tausend) Cofer in Glen Ullin, ND. He married Gloria Schaner on January 3, 1970 and the couple later divorced. Wayne married Stacie Olsen on August 20, 2009. A mechanic since the age of 15, Wayne was the owner of Cofer Repair in New Salem until his retirement two years ago. Wayne also drove truck for the postal service but eventually returned to his true passion of mechanics. Wayne had a diverse talent for fixing things and loved cars, wood-working and carpentry. Wayne had a great sense of humor and could be described as a bit of a prankster. He enjoyed being around people and would always take the time to help anyone in need. He enjoyed camping and fishing, mud running and spent time playing softball, pinochle, poker and canasta. Win or lose, Wayne was also an avid Minnesota Vikings, Twins and Wild fan. His family will miss seeing him in his BUM Equipment shirts which he wore every day. The highlight of Wayne's life was his family and he always looked forward to spending time with them at gatherings and during the holidays. Wayne always lived his life to the fullest and will be missed by many. Wayne will be missed by family and friends. Children, Tammy (Joe) O'Mara, Butte, MT, Tracy (Carrie) Cofer, New Salem, ND, Jason Cofer, Richfield, MN, Renae (Tim) Bleth, New Salem, ND; grandchildren, Kayla and Brianna O'Mara and Shelby and Trayson Bleth; step-children, Amanda Epstein-Olsen, Bismarck, ND and Ricky (Alicia) Olsen, New Salem, ND; Wayne will also be missed by his wife, Stacie Olsen and ex-wife, Gloria Cofer; brother, Alfred (Bernadette) Cofer, Almont, ND; sisters, Leilani (Earl) Bittner, Bismarck, ND and Jacqueline Tompkins, Aurora, NE and his half-brother, Bill (Ruth) Hoherz, Jamestown, ND along with numerous nieces and nephews. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; half-brothers, Vincent (Erma) Cofer, Arden (Yvonne) Cofer, Gordon (Ramona) Cofer, John (Jack) Cofer, Dale Cofer and Jim Hoherz; half-sisters, Jean (Bud) Henry, Dorothy (Marvin) Brewer, and an infant half-sister, Carley Mae. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials.