Len G. Hofer

Piedmont, SD - Len Gottlieb Hofer of Piedmont, SD and formally of Meadow, SD died February
27, 2023 at Monument Health in Rapid City.
Len Gottlieb Hofer was born January 30, 1942, to Emil and Anna (Adamek) Hofer in Lemmon,
S.D. He was the oldest of two brothers. Len was raised on his family's Twin Butte Ranch east of
Meadow, S.D. which was settled by his grandfather in 1916. He met Darlys Lowe, and they were
wed on March 12,1966. Len & Darlys ranched with his parents on the Hofer family ranch until
eventually taking it over. He attended Black Horse Creek and Twin Butte Country Schools. He
attended Lemmon High School and finished at Brookings, S.D. School of Agriculture in 1961. He
attended one week of school in Colorado with several neighbors to learn to do their own vet
work. Son Doug came along in 1967 and Kim in 1970. Len loved his kids and did whatever he
could do for them. Len was active in the Black Horse Saddle Club that his parents and many
neighbors originated.
Len and his younger, but much taller, brother Duane were very close. They both enjoyed the
love of rodeo. Len rode cows in his younger years, team tie-down roped, tie-down calf roped,
team roped and in the most recent years, senior men's breakaway roped, throughout his
lifelong rodeo career. Len made many friends throughout the surrounding states through his
love of rodeo. His good horse Bugs won Horse of the Year awards that he was very proud of. He
had many horses throughout his life but loved Bugs exceptionally. Darlys held down the fort,
watching cattle and doing the field work so Len could rodeo and enjoy what he loved. Len was a
great roper and teacher, as Doug and Kim roped and competed. Len and Darlys were honored
with being the 2022 Boss Cowman Honorees for the Lemmon, S.D. Boss Cowman Celebration.
This meant so much to both of them. Len loved people, socializing, and having a good time. He
had great mental, spiritual and physical strength. 
Len kept a firetruck at the ranch from the Glad Valley Fire Department.  He was physically and
mentally tough and would be gone for two days straight fighting fire if need be. He was a
member and director of the Grand River Grazing Association and was proud of this. Len and
Darlys were part owners of Lemmon Livestock in the 80s. Len and Darlys retired and sold the
ranch in November 2011. They moved to a small acreage in Piedmont, S.D. Here they made
new friends and lifelong friends would visit frequently. He became popular in the community
for his willingness to help and problem solve, so neighbors frequently contacted him for
support. He and Darlys transferred their membership from the Indian Creek Lutheran Church to
the Piedmont Valley Lutheran Church once they moved. They were active members and Len
was a director. He grew close with neighbors across the road, so with his love for socialization,
he would visit frequently, enjoy baked goods and Darlys would join regularly to play
cards. Friends and family liked to tease him about his discovered love of Pizza Ranch chicken
drummies and their desserts.
Len is survived by his wife of 57 years, Darlys Hofer; son, Doug Hofer; daughter Kim Hofer; and
his grand puppy Taz that loved him so much. His brother Duane, his wife Frankie, and their
daughter Krista Hofer. Duane was with his brother routinely during his hospital stay. As well as
numerous extended families on both the Hofer and Lowe side of the family.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Friday, March 3, 2023, at the Piedmont Valley Lutheran
Church with Reverend Sonja Pilman officiating. A second service will be 11:00 am Saturday,
March 4 at Indian Creek Lutheran Church near Meadow with Reverend Harold Delbridge
officiating. Interment will follow at the Galloway Cemetery in Meadow.
A memorial has been established.
The funeral service on Friday will be live streamed over WestRiverFuneral.com.

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