Darlene Joy Hofer was born to Joseph and Juliet (Jensen) Brodland on March 1, 1938. She was baptized and confirmed into the Christian Faith at Salem Lutheran Church, rural Freeman, South Dakota. She attended country school and went on to attend high school at Augustana Academy in Canton, SD. There she developed lifelong friends and continued with her interest in music while singing in the choir. Her parents had given her a guitar in her early teens which was an instrument she enjoyed playing most of her life.

She attended General Beadle Teachers College in Madison, SD for one year. She then began teaching in rural schools in the Turner County area.

Darlene was married to Juel Hofer on April 6, 1958. Two sons, Roger and Warren, were born to this union. Their working life was spent on a farm west of Viborg, SD. They raised row crops as well as livestock.

Darlene and Juel moved to Centerville SD when retiring from the farm. She enjoyed being closer to grandchildren and taking in their activities. She also worked part time at the Centerville Nursing Facility where she became a resident later in life.

Many winters were spent in Lemon Tree Estates in Mission, TX. Darlene volunteered as a tutor for students at a local school there. She also helped out many of the park residents that were less capable of caring for their property. She loved the many musical opportunities in the area. She spoke of going to "jams" and at times participated by playing her guitar or singing. Additionally, she directed the choir in their park for many years.

Darlene will be remembered for her positive attitude. She was friendly, caring and willing to help others. She definitely had a green thumb and enjoyed her many plants and continued to work with plants after moving into nursing home facilities.

Grateful for having shared her life are son, Roger (Jackie) Hofer; grandchildren, Nichole (Scott) Woizeschke, Joshua (Courtney) Hofer, Jacob (Sami) Hofer and Marlee (Jon) Gonzales; great- grandchildren, Emma, Eli, and Ezra Woizeschke, Adalynn and Oliver Hofer, and Lainey Hofer; two sisters, Joyce (Delmar) Wevik, Lyla (Dennis) Johnson; and her brother-in-law, Jennis Hofer. She was preceded in death by her spouse, Juel; her son, Warren; brother, Julian Brodland; brother-in-law, Paul Sonnenfeld; sisters-in-law, Darleen Jensen, Joyce Jorgensen, and Alma Hofer; brothers in law, Dellis Hofer, Oscar Sayler, Robert Jorgensen and Harold Jensen; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Memorial services will be 10AM Monday, October 7, 2024 at The Seed Community Church, 921 Main St, Centerville, SD 57014. Visitation will be 5:30-7:30PM Sunday, Oct. 6th at Wass Funeral Chapel, 400 Wisconsin St., Centerville with a 7:30PM prayer service.