Vera Hoefer

Funeral services for Vera Hoefer of Hay Springs, Nebraska will be held Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the United Methodist Church in Hay Springs, Nebraska. Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 7:00 PM at the United Methodist Church in Hay Springs, Nebraska.

Vera Dahl Hoefer, age 98, passed away on January 21, 2023 at Pioneer Manor in Hay Springs, Nebraska. Vera was born at the family farm 15 miles south of Hay Springs on September 4, 1924. She was the fourth child born in Jens and Sophie (Jensen) Dahl.

Vera went to school at the country school “Busy Bee”, District 93. She and her siblings walked to school 1.5 miles each day.

Vera was baptized and confirmed in the St. Peters Lutheran Church on Mirage Flats, then later transferred membership to the United Methodist Church in Hay Springs. When she started high school in Hay Springs she stayed with her Aunt Ikey Stiehl and family during the week; then went home on weekends. She graduated in May of 1942.

Early in life Vera worked at Ogdon, Utah for a year, at the Hillfield Airfield, then went to Junction City, Oregon and worked at a bank for one year.

Vera married her high school sweetheart, Freeman Jean Hoefer on August 3, 1944 in Hay Springs, NE. They moved to San Diego where Jean was stationed at a Naval Base. During this time Vera worked as one of the original “Rosie the Riveters”! She worked for Consolidated Valtee, where she worked on the bottom nose of the PB4Y2 naval plane.

In 1946 they returned to Hay Springs and lived on the Hoefer farm for 16 years. During those early years Vera lost a baby girl and boy to premature birth. In 1947 their son Dennis was born to complete their family.

In 1961 they moved into town and were both employed at the Northwestern State Bank for 20 years. Every year when their vacation was due they would travel somewhere in their camper. They loved camping and through the years they visited all 50 states. Also Denmark, England, Scotland, a Caribbean Cruise, and Panama Cruise. Jean and Vera Enjoyed a long fulfilling marriage of 72 years.

Vera had many hobbies. She dearly loved to bowl, play bridge and cards with friends, knitting, sewing, and crocheting. One of the Specialties she was known for was her fabulous baking, especially her pies! In fact, if you mentioned “The Pie Lady” everyone knew it was Vera.

After retiring, Vera could be found at the Senior Center each Wednesday at 3:00 AM making 12 to 15 dozen doughnuts to sell. Once a month she also went to Pioneer Manor to make donuts for the residents there. She was known there as the “Donut Lady”!

Vera was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary, joining in 1952. She was a 60 year member of the Rebeca Lodge, member of the United Methodist Church, and treasurer of the United Methodist Women for 25 years. Vera also belonged to the Joy Bell Choir since 1981. She was a member of the All-School Reunion Committee since 1978.

Vera was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Freeman Jean Hoefer; infant daughter Jeannette, infant son Roger, parents Jens and Sophie Dahl, in-laws Freeman and Myrtle Hoefer, sister Milda Gade, brothers Eivind, Elvin, Orval, and Lee Roy, sister-in-law Carol Reno, brother-in-law Harold Gade, and sister-in-law Jessie Goodin.

Her survivors include son Dennis, Grandchildren Bryan (Lauren) Hoefer, Candace (Tony) Mrsny, Great Grandchildren Chloe and Tahya Mrsny, Alana, Lane, and Rylan Hoefer, sister-in-law Dorothy Dahl, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In Lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be designated to the Hay Springs Volunteer Fire Department, United Methodist Church of Hay Springs, or the Hay Springs Senior Citizen Center. Memorials can be sent to Chamberlain-Drabbels Mortuary, PO Box 443, Hay Springs, NE 69347