Melvin A. Hofer, age 94, of 1727 Indiana Ave. SE, Huron, SD, and formerly of Willow Lake, SD, died Monday, September 7, 2009, at his home.

His funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 11, at Riverview United Methodist Church with burial at Riverside Cemetery.

Visitation will be Thursday from 1-8 p.m. at Welter Funeral Home with family present from 6-8 p.m.; or Friday morning one hour prior to the service at the church.

Melvin Amos Hofer, son of Paul J. and Elizabeth (Mandel) Hofer, was born on June 9, 1915, in Carpenter, SD. He attended Jefferson Country School in Beadle County.

On February 17, 1943, Melvin married Pearl E. Hofer in Pipestone, MN. He enjoyed farming for over 40 years on their farm in the Carpenter-Willow Lake area. He looked forward to turning the soil over in the Spring and harvesting in the Fall. Farming was his life.

Due to ill health, Melvin retired in 1987 and enjoyed the relaxed life at their home in Huron. He also enjoyed having coffee with his friends, breakfast-out on occasion, and watching the Minnesota Twins.

He is survived by his wife, Pearl of Huron; a daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and Richard Swanson of Huron; a niece, Vicky Walter of Sioux Falls who lived with Melvin and Pearl while growing up; 3 sisters-in-law, Winnie Hofer, Marge Haskett, and Dee Lattin; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 6 brothers, Elmer, Paul, Ruben, Menno, Leon, and Amos (in infancy); 2 sisters, Elsie and Marie; 2 brothers-in-law, Paul Decker and John Zuvela; and 2 sisters-in-law, Adena Hofer and Rose Hofer.