Derrold Hofer: 1939-2022

Derrold Dennis Hofer, 82, Sioux Falls, S.D., went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 30, 2022, while under the loving care of the staff at Ava’s House.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, July 8, 2022, at Central Church, Sioux Falls, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at the Hutterthal Mennonite Church Cemetery, rural Freeman, S.D. A link to view via live stream will be available at www.heartlandfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Ava’s House at Sanford Hospital.

Derrold Dennis Hofer was born to Joe E. and Erna (Gross) Hofer on Aug. 19, 1939, on the farm six miles southeast of Bridgewater, S.D., where he grew up with his brother, Larry. Derrold enjoyed spending time with cousins that lived near and far. He met Marilyn Glanzer when their two county schools played each other in softball. Derrold graduated from Bridgewater High School in 1957.

Derrold accepted Jesus as his personal savior at a revival in Bridgewater while in High School. He had a quiet but genuine faith that guided his life and spent many hours praying for his loved ones.

Derrold attended Freeman Junior College and graduated with a two-year degree in business administration. Throughout high school and college, Derrold enjoyed working as the stage manager for many plays. In the fall of 1959, Derrold went into 1W service at Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis, Ind. He worked for Medical Records delivering charts to various departments.

Derrold and Marilyn (Glanzer) were engaged on New Year’s Eve in 1960. Derrold had given her matching sweaters for Christmas instead of a ring, choosing to rather surprise her with the ring a week later. They were married on July 16, 1961, and moved to Speedway, Indiana, where Derrold continued his work at the hospital.  After 1W, Derrold continued his third year of college at Augustana and Sioux Falls College. He graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind., with a degree in Medical Records Administration.

In June of 1962, Derrold and Marilyn moved back to Sioux Falls and Derrold got a job as the Assistant Director of Medical Records at Sioux Valley Hospital. Derrold’s career at Sioux Valley Hospital/Sanford spanned 44 years serving as Assistant Director of Medical Records, Director of Medical Records, and Records Completion Coordinator for the hospital. Derrold found great satisfaction in this work and was well known in the Sanford Family. He also worked as a Medical Records Consultant for Freeman Hospital and Nursing Home for many years. He was active in the Medical Records Association of South Dakota working as president for several terms.

Derrold and Marilyn had a love of music and enjoyed attending many concerts and musicals. In the summers, the family attended many Sioux Falls Municipal Band concerts. The South Dakota Symphony was also a favorite. Derrold especially enjoyed listening to Marilyn sing with the Symphony Choir. They enjoyed many trips to Branson, Mo., and traveling to Indiana and Alabama to see family and friends.

Derrold was the “King of Christmas.” Each year he spent many hours decorating both inside and outside the house. It was a joy to come up to the house and see all the lights each Christmas season. He had quite the collection of Nativity sets both big and small throughout the house. Each room had some type of Christmas decoration or Nativity set.

Derrold enjoyed visiting Sandi and Harold in the Twin Cities, often coming in the spring and fall to help with getting the yard ready for the season. He was like the “Energizer Bunny” and would keep going on projects even when others were ready to take a break. During these visits, he often found time to take in a musical or choir concert. One of his favorites was “Fiddler on the Roof” at Chanhassen Dinner Theater.

Derrold was an active attendee of Central Baptist Church in Sioux Falls. He volunteered as a greeter and he and Marilyn were shepherds in the Good Shepherd Sunday School class. Together, they spent many Sundays volunteering in the nursery and toddler room.

When Derrold retired in 2010, he joined Marilyn as a full-time caregiver for his precious granddaughters. The bond Derrold and Marilyn had with Riley and Halle was priceless. Derrold was often the chauffeur to school and special outings to museums, zoos, parks, and the Washington Pavilion. He was affectionately known as “Papa” to the girls and their love for him was evident to all who saw them together. Many hours were spent playing games with the girls. His favorites were Skip-Bo, Rummikub, and Chinese Checkers. Papa was so good at asking detailed questions and engaging the girls in meaningful conversations.

Derrold was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer three months after losing his wife of 59 ½ years. This was certainly not a journey he wanted to take, but he faced it with dignity, courage, and strength. He was thankful to have Stacy at his side to help navigate the unknown waters. Her medical expertise and familiarity with the staff and doctors were a blessing. Sandi made many trips to Sioux Falls and provided great comfort to dad during her visits with him. They spent many hours playing games and reminiscing. Derrold and his family were incredibly grateful for the care and compassion shown by the staff at Ava’s House.

Derrold will be deeply missed by his daughters Sandra (Harold) Baty, Shoreview, Minn., and Stacy (Phil) Nelson, Sioux Falls; granddaughters who meant the world to him, Riley and Halle Nelson, Sioux Falls; sisters-in-law, Brigitta Hofer, Bridgewater, and Edwina Glanzer, Rolesville, N.C.; nieces: Kelly (Brian) Hefti, Sioux Falls, Stephanie (Michael) Burgeson, Yankton, Robin (Mike) Jaspers, Sioux Falls, and Kristi (Ray) Jezek, Rolesville; and nephew, Mike (Sandy) Glanzer, Ft. Myers, Fla.; several cousins, great-nieces, great- nephews, and great-great-nephews.

Derrold was proceeded in death by his loving wife, Marilyn; parents, Joe E. and Erna (Gross) Hofer; brother, Larry Hofer; stepmother, Agnes Stern-Hofer; parents-in-law, Mike and Mary Glanzer; and brother-in-law, Herb Glanzer

In these days of uncertainty, take the extra time to show those closest to your hearts that you love them as you never know when a goodbye hug will be the last time.