Terry A. Hoffer

Terry A. Hoffer, 84, passed away Wednesday, September 17, 2025, under the care of Interim Hospice at his home.

He was born September 4, 1941, in Wausau, son of the late Anton and Amanda (Gieb) Hoffer. On September 15, 1962, he married Charlene Mortensen at St. Mary Catholic Church in Wausau, and together they recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary.

Terry built a successful business career through his work with family-owned companies, including Hoffer’s Inc., Marmet, and several other ventures. In his youth, he showed horses and, after spending several years in the city, was happy to return to a quieter life on a hobby farm. There, he and his family raised cows, goats, chickens, pigs, rabbits, and horses. He took great joy in teaching his children how to bale hay, grow ginseng, cut firewood, and make maple syrup. He also enjoyed his garden and watching the wild birds.

Terry had a love for Westerns, traveling, RVing, and wintering in Florida and Arizona. He especially cherished his time spent up north at the family cottage in Hazelhurst.

Known for his generosity and playful spirit, Terry was a true prankster, especially with his beloved grandchildren. He’ll be fondly remembered for introducing them to their first green olives and for his famous spaghetti with black olives.

Survivors include his wife, Charlene; children, Chad (Rhonda) Hoffer, Paul (Brenda) Hoffer, Colleen (Fred) Schmidt and Tricia (Tom) Nelson; grandchildren, Jori, Morgan, Sarrianna, Annabella, Antony, Deana (Travis), Ryan, Drew and Josh; siblings, Pat Berens, Marilyn Chesak and Sharon Verhoven; brothers-and sisters-in-law, Shirley Mortensen, Clair & Sue Mortensen, Leila Taber; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Clyde and Ronald and a sister, Marianne Pocklington and brothers-in-law, Francis Berens, Chuck Verhoven, Roy Chesak, and Jerry Mortensen.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 27, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon, and again on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service all at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family and will be directed to St. Mary's Catholic School in Marathon in honor of Terry.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com