Leonard Hofaker

1932 - 2026

Leonard Hofaker

September 26, 1932 - February 13, 2026

On February 13, 2026, Leonard Joseph Hofaker, 93, formerly of Lexington, was carried into the arms of his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. To the heavenly home his heart so longed for. So, though we mourn his death, we rejoice in the eternal life he now has. One day we will meet again in everlasting praises to God.

Leonard was born at home in Logan, Kansas, to William Leonard Joseph Hofaker and Viola Belle (Lowry) Hofaker on September 26, 1932. His father died when he was 6 months old. He grew up in the Logan, Kansas area and in the Salida, Colorado area where he and one sister, Mabel, lived with their mother's brother, Everette Lowry.

Leonard was married to Pearl Jane Bailey on February 15, 1953, in Logan, Kansas. Settling in Gothenburg, for a short time before he left for Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for his military service. Pearl joined him for a short time later while their Lenny and Debbie were born. After his discharge from the Military, the family moved back to Gothenburg where he worked for area farmers. He was also baling hay and hauling hay to Kansas. Later, he worked construction for Tom Hampton, eventually becoming foreman for Fred Hampton.

Leonard and his family hopped across the state of Nebraska laying sewer lines and cables in many communities. Along the way, Dianna was born in Gothenburg and Tammie in Ogallala. Finally settling in Lexington, Nebraska, in 1960, where Terry and Mike were born later. In 1969, Leonard gradually quit the construction work and began Hofaker's Iron and Metal and adding antiques on the side.

Leonard became a Christian later in life and the Lord really used him to share the gospel with many people. Lots of times while he was lending a helping hand. Leonard was very active in their church, Gideon's, American Legion, the Lexington Antique Association and Nebraska Recycler's Association.

He always said he was a jack of all trades and a master of none. His worked showed he had actually mastered many of those trades. Leonard and Pearl went on two mission trips to Zaire and two mission trips to Jamaica. Through the years, they traveled across the USA and Canada to visit their children, grandchildren, family and friends, taking in many sites along the way, stopping at yard sales and antique shops. Upon retirement, the family moved south of Lexington and had Hofaker Antiques until 2025 when they moved to Kearney.

Leonard is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Pearl Hofaker of Kearney; children, Debbie (Don) Richert of Waco, Nebraska. Dianna Saqib of Niagara Falls, Canada, Tammie (Walt) Weinbender of Lexington, Terry (Regina) Hofaker of Holdrege, and Mike Hofaker of Lexington; 32 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Johnny Kendall of Gresham, Oregon; sisters-in-law, Betty Jean Kendall of Sandy, Oregon, Maxine Kendall of Gaston, Oregon, and Jeri Kendall of Aurora, Oregon.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Berean Bible Church in Lexington with Pastor Jerry Ruzicka officiating.

Burial with Military Honors will be held at Evergreen Cemetery following the service.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.

Memorials are kindly suggested to The Gideon International.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com