Charles Hofer

HOFER, Charles Lifelong Colfax farmer, passed away July 4, 2009 at Whitman Hospital. A Rosary service will be held Tuesday, July 7th at 7:00 pm at St. Patrick'sCatholic Church. The Funeral Mass will be celebratedWednesday at 10:00 am at the church. Burial will follow in the Colfax Cemetery. Viewing will be Tuesday from 9 am to 4 pm at Bruning Funeral Home. Charles was born December 4, 1919 at Colfax to Lue and Anna (Harter) Hofer and spent his entire life on the family farm just south of Colfax. Following an accident that claimed one of his father's arms, Charles became very active on the farm as a teenage boy. He graduated from Colfax High School in 1938 and went on to receive his Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture from WSU. He also attended KinmanBusiness University in Spokane for a time. Charles formed a partnership with his dad and the two farmed together for several years. Later, Charles also partnered with his best friend Don Hart and for 47 years they farmedtogether. Fittingly Charles passed away on July 4th because for over 50 years he held an annual 4th of July picnic at his home for friends and family from all over. Hundreds would come to enjoy the buffet of ham, turkey, andCharles' famous rolls. Before the fireworks everyone would enjoy ice cream and watermelon while the kids played games. Charles was always active in St. Patrick's Catholic Church where he taught religion education for 45 years and was director of that program for many years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the church men's choir, the Colfax Elks and a board member of the Whitman Hospital Foundation. Charles liked to cook and was famous for Angel Food cakes that were often sold at auction they were so good. Charles was an avid Cougar fan and especially loved following the basketball team. He was the "ultimate" Godfather and had close to sixty godchildren. He is survived by his sister, Corriene Liotta of Colfax; six nieces and four nephews and numerous grand nieces and nephews as well as a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Irene Morton. The family suggests memorials be made to St. Patrick's ChurchFoundation or Whitman Hospital Foundation. On-line guest book is at www.bruningfuneralhome.com BRUNING FUNERAL HOME of COLFAX is caring for the family.