Roger Hofer

Roger William Hofer, age 73, passed away on February 26, 2026, following a brief diagnosis of brain cancer, at Ava’s House Hospice in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 5, at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Bible Church in Bridgewater, South Dakota. Interment will take place earlier that morning at 9:30 a.m. at the Bridgewater Cemetery. A prayer service and visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 4, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., also at Zion Bible Church.

Roger was born on October 28, 1952, to Mike and Viola (Waldner) Hofer. Upon his confession of faith, he was baptized at Zion Mennonite Church, where he remained an active and devoted member throughout his life.

He graduated from Mitchell Technical Institute with a degree in electrical construction, skills he later put to good use on the family farm. Roger farmed with his parents near Bridgewater until he took full operation of the farm following their passing. In addition to farming, he dedicated more than 30 years of service as a volunteer as an EMT with the Bridgewater Ambulance Service, reflecting his deep commitment to helping others in his community.

Grateful for having shared his life are his sisters, Vivian (Ken) Couch of Buffalo Gap, South Dakota, and Peggy (Don) Stahl of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; nieces Joni Larmier and Joleen Stahl both of Sioux Falls; nephews Kevin (Kristi) Couch of Gillette, Wyoming, Joe (Jayni) Stahl of Spearfish, South Dakota, and Joel Stahl of Bridgewater, who farmed alongside Roger.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Viola Hofer, and by his niece, JoEllen Stahl.

A memorial has been established with the Gideon Bibles.

Friends who visited Roger during his time in the hospital described him as generous, thoughtful, and deeply respectful of others. One longtime friend noted that although they stood on opposite sides of the political spectrum, their friendship endured—an example Roger quietly set through his actions. Roger was actively involved in local politics, writing letters to editors and political figures, attending county commission meetings, cracker barrels, and other civic events, and serving on the Bridgewater City Council. His life reflected a strong sense of faith, service, and dedication to the community.