Len Gottlieb Hofer

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 were held Friday, March 3, 2023, at the Piedmont Valley Lutheran Church with Reverend Sonja Pilman officiated. A second service was held Saturday, March 4 at Indian Creek Lutheran Church near Meadow with Reverend Harold Delbridge officiating. Interment followed at the Galloway Cemetery in Meadow.

A memorial has been established.

Friends and family may sign the online guest register and leave written condolences for the family at WestRiverFuneral.com.