J. Kenneth Hoffer

J. Kenneth Hoffer, 84, of Manheim, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 2, 2015. Born in Manheim, he was the son of the late Menno and Verna Shank Hoffer. Ken was the loving husband of Lois Miller Hoffer and they observed their 36th wedding anniversary in October of last year. His first wife, the late Lois Gantz Hoffer died in November of 1977. A lifelong farmer, Ken absolutely loved taking good and faithful care of his farm and his animals, and he helped in the barn right up until his last minute on this earth!

An accomplished and respected dairy farmer, Ken had received numerous awards and recognitions for his exemplary work; including the Pennsylvania Dairy of Distinction Award and the Patronage Award from the Mount Joy Farmers Cooperative. Ken was one of the first farmers in Northern Rapho Township to have his farm reach preservation status, protecting the use of his land.
He was an active member in his community and worked hard to improve the community in which he lived. Throughout his adult life Ken assisted in numerous volunteer capacities, including Treasurer of the United Zion Camp Grove, and served on the Board of Directors of the United Zion Retirement Community.

A devout Christian, Ken served his church family with passion and care. He was a member of the former Pleasant View United Zion Church, helped as a Sunday school Superintendent and Sunday school Treasurer. At the time of his passing Ken was a member of Elizabethtown United Zion Church.

Ken’s grandchildren fondly remember spending time at Grandpa’s farm; playing in the open fields and watching Grandpa milk the cows. He had an impressive collection of antique tractors that his great grandchildren were fascinated with. Ken also enjoyed being in the outdoors and hunting.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Lois; are two sons: Kenneth L. husband of Anita Engle Hoffer of Ephrata, Kevin J. Hoffer of Manheim; three grandchildren: Jason Hoffer, Christy Herman, Nate Hoffer, five great grandchildren; two sisters: Elva Hein of Lititz, Geraldine Swope of Manheim, a sister-in-law, Esta Hoffer, of Manheim, and an aunt, Vera A. Ulrich of Manheim. Preceding him in death is a brother, Elam Hoffer.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Ken’s funeral service at the United Zion Church, 401 East Park Street, Elizabethtown, on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at 11:00 AM. There will be a viewing at the church on Tuesday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be in Pleasant View Cemetery, Rapho Township. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Ken’s memory to the Elizabethtown United Zion Church, 401 East Park St., Elizabethtown, PA 17022.