87
Beresford, SD
LaVerne Jacob Hofer, 87, of Beresford, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on July 4, 1938, in Freeman, South Dakota, to Jacob and Edna Hofer, LaVerne lived a life devoted to faith, education, family, and service.
He graduated from Freeman Academy and went on to earn his college degree from Augustana College. LaVerne later received his Master’s degree from the University of South Dakota.
On August 12, 1961, LaVerne married Angeline Boelson. Together, they raised five children:
Tracee (Brian) Wuestewald, Terence (Linda) Hofer, Tamara (Keith) Vogeli, Trisha Voegeli, and Tiffanee (Ryan) Johnson.
LaVerne began his teaching career in Avon, South Dakota, and then spent a year in Plainview, Nebraska, before settling in Beresford, South Dakota, where he taught chemistry, physics, and math at Beresford High School for many years. After retiring at age 61, he continued to share his love of learning by teaching at the University of South Dakota for an additional five years.
In addition to his work in education, LaVerne was a successful businessman, owning and operating the Paper Plate Drive Inn in Beresford for 22 years. He was an enthusiastic supporter of USD athletics and rarely missed a game. He was also a faithful fan of the Sioux Falls Canaries.
LaVerne lived life to the fullest. He read daily, played softball in his younger years, and enjoyed bowling well into his later life. He treasured time with family, especially camping trips and vacations. After Angie’s passing in 2001 he continued to travel— visiting baseball stadiums across the country and even making a memorable trip to Europe.
A devoted community member, LaVerne was active in the Lions Club and a faithful member of Zion United Methodist Church in Beresford.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Angie, and his son Terry.
Grateful for having shared his life are his four surviving daughters; his sister, Elvera Deckert; and his grandchildren: Alivia Wuestewald, Erik Wuestewald, Jacob Wuestewald, Emily Hofer, Anna Hofer, Alex Hofer, Elizabeth Voegeli, Serena Voegeli, Rachel Voegeli, Christopher Voegeli, Timothy Voegeli, Victorria Voegeli, Vance Voegeli, and Abel Johnson. He was also blessed with 11 great-grandchildren and his dog, Walter.
LaVerne will be remembered for his steady presence, generous heart, passion for reading and education, and the joy he found in sports, travel, and family.
Memorial services will be 2PM Monday, August 11, 2025 at Beresford Zion United Methodist Church with burial to follow at Beresford City Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-4PM Sunday, Aug. 10th at Wass Funeral Home in Beresford.