Ernest Hofeldt

Funeral services for Ernest Hofeldt were held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Colome, SD, with Pastor Philip Henning officiating. Music was provided by Janet Cerv, organist, and Mende Supik was in charge of registration. Flower attendants were Terri Lee Cahoy and Korey Bertram. Casket bearers were Troy Dufek, John Supik, Ricky Patterson, Robbie Patterson, Russ Patterson, and Dan O’Bryan. Honorary casket bearers were Jerald Fetzer, Larry Bertram, Chan Shippy, Ron Miller, Mike Whitrock, Todd Hofeldt, Larry Hofeldt, and Jim Hofeldt. Interment was in the Colome City Cemetery in Colome, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Ernest “Buzz” John Hofeldt was born June 21, 1939, in Winner, SD, the son of Roy and Murrel (Painter) Hofeldt. He attended grade school in rural schools. His freshman year was at Winner High School and the next three years he attended Colome High School, graduating from Colome with the class of 1957.

Ernie was united in marriage on April 19, 1962, to Minnette Wolthoff in Winner, SD. To this union three children were born: Pamela Sue, John Ernest, and Wayne Edward.

Ernie was baptized at the Paxton Methodist Church on November 28, 1948. He was confirmed January 10, 1965, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Colome.

After graduation he worked at the Bob Bigelow farm. He was employed at Ray’s Mobile Service Station and Ed Biggs’ garage in Colome. He worked at Tilton Motor Co. in Gregory from 1965 until 1977. Ernie transferred to Winner Ford in 1977, and worked until 1987. Harry Knust bought Winner Ford, and he worked for Harry K Ford until 2001, when he retired.

Ernie loved to read, tinker in his garage, and be outdoors. He enjoyed going for car rides, hunting and fishing too. Most of all, Ernie enjoyed his time with his wife and children and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother Robert. Ernie is survived by his wife Minnette of Colome, SD; daughter Pamela Tanner, Colome, SD; sons, John (Donna) Hofeldt, Colome, SD, and Wayne (Vonnie) Hofeldt, Colome, SD; eight grandchildren; three greatgrandchildren; and sister Donna of Tupelo, MS.