Earl Hofer

Earl Hofer, devoted husband, father, grandfather, teacher and friend, went home to be with the Lord on July 25, 2025. Earl was born in Freeman, South Dakota on October 30, 1954 and made his home in Wichita, Kansas in 1978. Earl had been a long-time member of First Mennonite Brethren Church (now Ridgepoint Church) and modeled a life of faith and unwavering trust in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Earl married Suzanne Kroeker on June 27, 1980 in Freeman, South Dakota. They were married until her untimely passing in 2005. He found love again when he married Elizabeth "Liz" Schmidt on May 28, 2011.
Earl taught for over 40 years in the Clearwater School District, a place near to his heart. Affectionately known as "Mr. Hofer," Earl has touched countless lives in his role as an educator. His kindness, wisdom, and ability to relate to his students and colleagues left a lasting impact on the lives of those who were blessed to know him.
Earl was preceded in death by his wife, Suzanne (Kroeker) Hofer; parents, Joe E. Hofer and Alma E. (Glanzer) Hofer; as well as numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins.
He is survived by his wife, Liz Hofer (Schmidt); son, Tim Hofer and wife Lynette; daughter, Brittany Wilker (Hofer) and husband Trenton; step-son, Ben Schmidt and wife Courtney; step-daughters, Emily Bartel (Schmidt) and husband Aaron, and Kari Leal (Schmidt) and husband Ivan; fourteen precious grandchildren: Jordan, Brantley, and Joey Hofer; Ellie, Kenna, Caleb, and Joshua Wilker; Leah, Samuel, and Noah Bartel; Hazel, Elisabeth, and Mari Schmidt; and Luca Leal; brothers, Dan Hofer and wife Jane, and Orlando Hofer; many nieces, nephews, and beloved extended family members.
Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Downing and Lahey West Mortuary. Graveside Service will be at 9:00 am, on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Buhler East Municipal Cemetery, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am at Ridgepoint Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Ridgepoint Church. They will be used to assist his niece, Anne, in establishing her medical missionary non-profit to continue her family's work in providing healthcare to those in Honduras.
Visitation:
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Downing & Lahey West Mortuary
10515 W. Maple
Wichita, KS 67209
Graveside Service:
Thursday, July 31, 2025 9:00 am
Buhler Municipal Cemetery East
E 82nd St.
Buhler, KS 67522
Funeral Service:
Thursday, July 31, 2025 11:00 am
Ridgepoint Church
8000 W 21st St
Wichita, KS 67205