In loving memory
RODNEY WAYNE HOFSTETTER
March 27, 1926 - October 11, 2009
Salem - In loving memory of Rodney Wayne Hofstetter, March 27, 1926 – October 11, 2009.
Rodney spent his lifetime in Salem raising his family and working as an owner in Curly’s Dairy a business founded in 1925 by his father Hans (Curly) Hofsetter.
Rodney was the son of Hans (Curly) Hofstetter and Della Hilfiker Hofstetter, a family long established in the Salem community whose primary focus was both the dairy and farming industry.
Rodney graduated from Salem High School in 1944 and celebrated his 65th High School Reunion in September 2009. He had a love for his school mates and so enjoyed the annual gatherings throughout the years.
Rodney graduated from the University of Oregon in 1950, and was a proud member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Prior to attending the University of Oregon Rodney served in the Navy during World War II as a seaman aboard the U.S.S. Allendale APA-127. In recent years Rodney made trips to sunny places to join other Naval Veterans assigned to the U.S.S. Allendale, he always enjoyed these gatherings.
Rodney married Mary Janet Kirk in 1955, they began their married life together and had three children: Hans Kirk, Jan and Mary Jo.
Rodney and Janet bought their first home at the bottom of Fairmont Hill on Saginaw Street in Salem, Oregon. Many years were spent remodeling and improving this home, and it provided great joy to Rodney when family and friends gathered during Holidays and celebrations. He had such appreciation for the way Janet put things together, and so missed her creative touch after her death.
Above all, Rodney was devoted to his family. His children watched as he selflessly cared for their mother during a long illness. Rodney made certain Janet had full-time care during the day, and then after a long day at work, would care for her during the evening. Rodney was a devoted husband, loving father, caring and involved “Papa;” a great brother, good neighbor and longtime friend to many in Salem and the Willamette Valley.
An expert horseman and member of the Salem Saddle Club for many years, Rodney had that certain temperment to successfully work around horses. Putting this aside for his family, he devoted his life to raising his family and contributing endless hours to the family business, a business based on service to the community and quality local products.
Rodney is survived by his children Kirk (Michelle) Hofstetter of Salem, Mary Jo (Dirk) Moeller of Salem and Jan Arave of Portland; his brothers, Gordon Hofstetter of Keizer, Grover Hofstetter of Salem and Beverly Rogers of Federal Way, Washington. And his grandchildren who gave him endless hours of joy, Alexander and Courtney Hofstetter and Madeline, Lydia and Maxwell Moeller.
Visitation will be Thursday from 2 – 6 at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service with a memorial service at 2:00pm Friday Oct. 16th at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.
In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to Cascade Pacific Council of the Boy Scouts of American, 4395 Liberty Rd S Salem, OR 97302 or the Oregon War Veterans Association, PO Box 8043 Salem, OR 97303
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