Lewis F. Hofts

Lewis Fred Hofts, the son of Fred and Amy (Fischer) Hofts of rural Byron, NE, was born on August 20, 1923. He passed away peacefully with family by his side on Friday, May 3, 2013, at Parkview Haven in Deshler, Nebraska at the age of 89 years, 8 months and 15 days.

He was baptized at home on September 23, 1923 and later confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in rural Deshler on June 4, 1939. Lewis attended St. Paul's Lutheran until 1955 when the church closed. He received his education at the Dist. 91 rural School. He began farming in his teenage years, working for neighbors and family friends until he and Alfred took over the family farm. Lewis was a member of the Thayer County Feeders Association. He enjoyed playing cards and visiting with family and friends. One of his main joys was holding newborn babies and rocking them in his chair.

He is preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters, Mary Hurlbert and Flora Brettmann; brothers, John and Alfred; brothers-in-law, Ray Hurlbert and Alvin Brettmann; and nephews Fred Hofts and Ken Fintel. Lewis is survived by his sister-in-law, Fern Hofts of Lincoln; nieces and nephews, Stan and Mary Jo Hofts of Deshler; Patty and Mike Wilson of Lincoln; Janet and Dan Lienemann of Sidney; Julie Hofts of Omaha; J.J. and Cindy Hofts of Sioux Falls, S.D., Howard and Konnie Howser of Lincoln; Ken's wife Donna of Valley; Scott and Libby Brettmann of Fremont; and Steve Brettmann of Deshler; and numerous great nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 6, 2013, at Peace Lutheran Church in Deshler at 2:00 PM, with Pastor Phillip Nielsen officiating. Burial was in the St. Paul's Cemetery near Deshler. Memorials are designated to the family.