Jean Marie Hofer, 90 of Luana, Iowa passed away Friday, August 7, 2026 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon, Iowa. She was born on November 20, 1935 to Clifford and Bertha (Sonstegard) Walter in Wagner Township, rural Luana, Iowa. Jean attended Eno Grade School in Wagner Township and graduated from Luana High School class of 1954.
Jean was united in marriage with Ronald Hofer on May 19, 1957. They were married for 55 years until Ron passed in 2013. Five children were born to this union, Kevin, Kim, Mark, Barbara and Jolene. In 1956, Jean graduated from Bayless Business College and started working for Spahn and Rose Lumber Co. in Dubuque Iowa. She worked part time for Lowell’s Electric Service, Luana City council, Luana Cafe and Ron’s business, Hofer Repair. In 1975, she started working at Norplex (Allied Signal) in Postville, Iowa as a foreman and supervisor, retiring after 20 years of service. Jean loved traveling and dancing at polka events throughout Iowa and Minnesota. She enjoyed refinishing old furniture and restoration projects on her home. Jean was also an avid reader.
Surviving Jean are her children, Kevin (Deborha) Hofer Walker, Louisiana, Mark Hofer of Nevada, Iowa, Barbara Hofer of Luana, Iowa and Jolene Hofer of Charles City, Iowa; her sister, Margie Walter of Jacksonville, Florida; six grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.
Preceding Jean in death was her husband, Ronald Hofer; parents, Clifford and Bertha Walter; brothers, Bill Walter and Duane Walter; sister, Elaine Gehring; one son, Kim Hofer; daughters-in-law, Beverly Browning (Kevin) Hofer and Beverly Nelson (Mark) Hofer.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am with a visitation from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at St. John Lutheran Church in Luana, Iowa with Rev. Jeremy Wolfe as the officiant.
Private family burial will be at UB Wagner Cemetery, Wagner Township.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Luana, Iowa.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Monona, Iowa are assisting the family with services.