Dwight Hofer

Dwight was born on February 22, 1933 at home in the country near Dinuba, California to Joe and Lydia Hofer who preceded him in death. Dwight went to be with his heavenly Father on June 15, 2016 at the age of 83. His parents were farmers and Dwight attended Grandview Elementary School graduating in 1947. He attended one year at Immanuel High School in Reedley and then transferred to Dinuba High School. During his high school years he participated in football (MVP his senior year), basketball and track. Following high school he attended College of Sequoias where he played football both years graduating in 1953. He was drafted into the Army in August 1953 during the Korean conflict. After basic training and occupational therapy training, he spent a year in Korea where his view of the world was broadened. After returning from Korea, he married his sweetheart Fayrene Lane of Orange Cove following a three-year courtship. They moved to Santa Barbara where Dwight attended Westmont College for three years graduating in 1958 with a degree in psychology. For one year he and Fayrene were dormitory parents of 30 college students after he graduated. In 1959 he moved his family to Visalia where he obtained a position with the Tulare County Boys Ranch located at Sequoia Field north of Visalia. For two years he served as a supervisor and assistant superintendent. After two years at the Boys Ranch he finished his teaching credential and went to work as a teacher and coach at Green Acres Middle School for two years. In 1963 after the death of his father-in-law, he moved his family to Orange Cove and obtained a teaching position at El Monte Middle School in Orosi while also taking care of his father-in-law's chicken ranch. After one year, he returned to Visalia and went to work at Divisadero Middle School until 1967 when he transferred to Mt. Whitney High School where he taught for 25 years. He coached football, basketball and track during his tenure. During this time, he served on the Board for Turning Point for several years. Following his retirement in 1992, he worked at the Sun-Maid Raisin Plant in Selma as an inspector. There were many happy times shared with his family of three daughter’s water skiing at Kaweah Lake and camping at Huntington Lake as well as following their activities as cheerleaders during his coaching years. He also built a houseboat which was moored at Kaweah Lake for 20 years. His passion for model trains became a reality after retirement when he built his Garden-Gage Railroad layout in his back yard and where he laid 600 feet of railroad track around the yard complete with villages, mountains, tunnels, a circus and ski resort where his children and grandchildren joined with him in exploring the joy of creativity and he shared his passion with many visitors. Since 1959 he has been a member of Gateway Church (formerly First Baptist Church). He served as a deacon and Sunday School Teacher, and helped with many vacation Bible schools. The past 15 years there were many Bible studies held at his home. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Fayrene, his daughter Lucinda McKnight and husband Richard, his daughter Lisa Bressel and husband Brian, his daughter Lynnese Castle and husband Forest. His grandchildren are Emily Faulknor (Brett), Jessica Nye (Billy), Wesley McKnight (Mindy), Meredith Launay (Jerome), Kenny Castle (Lauren). He is also survived by Grandchildren Taldon Bressel, Marinna Bressel, Dallyn Bressel, Gannon Castle, and Cade Castle. He is survived by ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers: Bob Hofer (Vera), Eugene Hofer, Art Hofer (Joanne), and Tim Hofer (Suzie) and 15 nieces and nephews, and many great nieces and nephews. Services are scheduled for 10:30 on June 23rd at Gateway Church, corner of Sowell and Tulare Streets, Visalia, CA. A viewing will be held Thursday, June 23, 2016 at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel from 5 PM to 7 PM. A graveside service will be held Friday, June 24, 2016 at Smith Mountain Cemetery in Dinuba, Ca. at 9 AM. In lieu of flowers, please make your donations to the Missions Board of Gateway Church. A memorial tribute may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com

Dwight Hofer

February 22, 1933 - June 15, 2016