Dale Carl Hoefner

Dale Carl Hoefner, age 74, was born to eternal life on his birthday, Thursday, March 19, 2020, following a brief three-week battle with acute leukemia.

Dale was born in Manitowoc, WI, on March 19, 1946, baptized March 31, 1946, and confirmed May 22, 1960, at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, Newtonburg, WI.  Following his grade school graduation from St. John’s Lutheran School, he attended Lincoln High School, Manitowoc, graduating in 1964. He then enlisted in the US Army, serving his country for three years in France and Germany. He continued in the Army Reserves, receiving his honorable discharge in 1970.  Dale obtained a 2-year Electronic Associates Degree from Lakeshore Technical Institute. He was first employed by Pengelly Medical Co. and subsequently by Siemens Medical Systems of Germany, with whom he was employed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for 35 years until his retirement in 2007.

Dale was the beloved husband of Carol Mae (Laudon) Hoefner.  They were married on July 22, 1972 at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church, Manitowoc, Wisconsin.  Dale was the loving father of Jeffrey (Joanne) Hoefner, Sarah (Nicholas) Derouin, Amanda (David) Chao. Loving Grandpa/Papa of Tana Hoefner, Madyson, Reagan, and Ryder Derouin, and Parker and Paxton Chao.

Dale is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and also by sister-in-law Jewel Hoefner, brother-in-law and sister-in-law John and Dawn Laudon, nieces,nephews, cousins, and friends.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Norbert and Viola (nee Reichardt) Hoefner, brothers, Donald and Dean Hoefner, sisters, Delores Boeder and Diane Urban, brother-in-law Alfred (Fritz) Boeder, father-in-law and mother-in-law Alfred (Dutch) and Bernice Laudon.

Dale loved his church families at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church and later Abiding Word Ev. Lutheran Church.  For 43 years he resided in the home where he and Carol raised their children. He enjoyed vegetable gardening, yard work, feeding God’s creatures, squirrels and birds, sitting under the trees in the back yard, reunions with his grade school classmates and their teacher, rustic roads, trips north to view the fall colors, and time with his family. There was always something he was fixing for family or others. He carried a sandwich with him to share while out on projects. With a heart of gold, he was always willing to help others and share his vast knowledge of nature, farming, mechanics, repair skills, and cooking. He loved swapping recipes. He was so proud of being published in the Milwaukee Journal Newspaper Food Section, sharing a yesteryear recipe of his mother’s. He was a master-crafter in taking something out-of-the-ordinary and turning it into something useful. He always had a story or a lesson to teach his grandchildren.

Dale showed his love to ALL through acts of service, including serving many years as a Church Trustee, responsible for church upkeep.  He took care of the small tasks that most wouldn’t think of doing. He always had an abundance of advice and wisdom to share. Best of all, were his sense of humor and his Christian example.

A private funeral, for immediate family will be held Saturday, April 4^th, 2020.  A link will be available to those who would like to watch and be with us in spirit. We will remember our beloved husband, father, and grandfather.  Most importantly, we will thank our God for the many blessings He bestowed on Dale in this life, and for giving Dale the greatest gift… eternal life. We will see Dale again! A memorial service, to share his life and faith, will be planned for a future date when the national health crisis allows.

Should you wish to honor Dale with a memorial, they may be made to any Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod organization (WELS), Abiding Word Ev. Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lutheran High School, Milwaukee, WI, or St.  John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Newtonburg, WI.

We extend our thanks to St. Luke’s medical staff, to the specialists who carefully engineered Dale’s treatments and the RNs and CNAs who gave compassionate care and encouragement. We especially thank his cardiac nurse practitioner and liaison, Sara, who gave Dale and our family continuous caring support, expert medical monitoring, and constant updates. In times of trouble, God sends caring angels.

The family also wishes to thank everyone who remembered Dale with prayers, cards, calls, and concern while he was hospitalized. Since his passing we are very grateful for your sympathy and prayers, visits, calls, gifts of food, and memorials. God bless all of you!

Please click here to view the Funeral Service