Nicholas Hofacker

Hofacker, Nicholas E.

Nicholas "Nick" Hofacker, 71, Town of Center, passed away suddenly on Saturday, June 15, 2013 with family by his side. He was a deeply loved husband, father, Papa, brother, uncle, and a friend to so many. Nick was born on August 23, 1941, the ninth of twelve children, to the late William and Ruth (Heenan) Hofacker. He graduated from Hortonville High School in 1959 and married Cheryl (Van Straten) Hofacker on April 19, 1969.

Nick farmed his entire life in the Mackville community where he was also an active member of St. Edward Parish. As a young man, he was proud to serve his country in the Army National Guard. He joined the Town of Center Fire Department in 1966 and retired in 2001 after serving as Chief for 22 years. Nick served in several county and town positions right up until his death. Most recently he held the position of Outagamie County Board Supervisor and Town of Center Chairman.

Nick leaves behind his loving wife of 44 years, Cheryl, and their five children: Mary Jo (David) Bolwerk and children Grant, Garrett, and Grace; Pete Hofacker (special friend Amy Liebergen); Mathew (Toni Jo) Hofacker and children Kameryn, Randi Jo, and Nicholas; Nicole (Scott) Pynenberg and son Zac; Katie (Chad) Veldman and daughter Addilynn.

Nick was a brother to: Francis and Linda Hofacker Family (Francis deceased), John and Delores Hofacker Family (John deceased), William and Vera Hofacker Family (William deceased), Joe and Marilyn Hofacker Family (Joe and Marilyn deceased), Mary and Ed Hawley (Mary deceased), Ann Hofacker, Catherine and Howard Belonger Family (Catherine and Howard deceased), Henry and Geraldine Hofacker Family (Henry deceased), Margaret and Bob Parker Family (Margaret and Bob deceased), Paul and Mary Ellen Hofacker Family, Tony and Roseanne Hofacker Family.

He was a brother-in-law to Ronald and Barb Van Straten Family, Norita and Gary Barrington Family, William and Cheryl Van Straten Family (William deceased), Terry and Cleda (Fietcher) Van Straten Family (Terry deceased), Tim Van Straten, Mark Van Straten Family, Suzy Schmidt Family, Charlotte Belonger.

He is further survived by numerous nieces and nephews, all of which were special to him, aunts, uncles, cousins.

In addition to the family members mentioned, Nick is preceded in death by Cheryl's parents, Dale and Phyllis Van Straten, nephews Bud Hofacker, Dean Van Straten, and Todd Van Straten; nieces Krissy Hofacker, Hope Hofacker, and Cory Van Straten, numerous aunts and uncles, and some very special angel babies.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 18th, 2013 at St. Edward Church, Mackville, from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. (Prayer service at 7:30 with Deacon Jeff Hofacker), and will continue from 9:00 A.M. until the funeral Mass at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, June 19th, 2013 with Fr. Dan Felton officiating.

Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.muehlboettcher.com

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Nick's name for St. Edward School, as Nick's heart was always with the little children.

Nick loved God and family above all else, and he valued a hard day's work. He enjoyed simple things in life: nature, mowing the lawn, talking to other farmers across the Midwest, his dogs and peacocks, a clean pick-up truck, a good deal on a piece of machinery, a frozen Hershey bar, and an ice-cold Coke. He never failed to appreciate the woods in all of its beautiful seasons. Some of his happiest moments were enjoyed around the fire pit, surrounded by his wife, kids and grandchildren…and an endless supply of Schwan's bars. Anyone who knew Nick will think of him when they see an antique tractor, a shiny fire truck, a classic episode of Seinfeld, or a cock-eyed farmer's cap.

Special thanks to the Center First Responders, the Emergency Cardiac Team at Appleton Medical Center, Father Dan Felton, Deacon Jeff Hofacker, and all who were with us on Saturday morning.

Papa, you were the best of everything to all of us. We are truly blessed to have had you in our lives. We will love you and miss you forever. As you would say, "God love".