Leo Hoefer, 89, of Red Lake Falls, MN died on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at his residence in Red Lake Falls surrounded by his loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN with Father Chuck Huck presiding. Burial will follow at St. Peter Cemetery in Gentilly, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Friday, April 15, 2011 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN.

Leo Henry Hoefer was born on April 24, 1921 in Blunt, SD the son of John Henry and Gertrude Mary (Venteicher) Hoefer. He attended rural school and worked with his father while he was growing up. The family moved to Thief River Falls, MN in 1938 where they farmed then moved to Red Lake County in 1943 where they purchased a farm.

On March 2, 1943, Leo was united in marriage to Veronica Schindler at St. Marys Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN. In 1950 the couple purchased the home farm in Lake Pleasant Township in Red Lake County. The couple enjoyed the farm life where they raised their nine children and farmed small grains, dairy and beef cattle.

Leo enjoyed traveling and visiting with his family and friends. He served on several Boards including the Community Co-op Store, Lake Pleasant Township Board for 30 years, District 191 School, Farmers Union Oil Company, Credit Union, St. Peters Church Council, Knights Of Columbus and the NFO.

Survivors include his loving wife of 68 years, Veronica of Red Lake Falls, MN; 7 children, Mary (LeRoy) Pazdernik of Mentor, MN, Genevieve (Orville) Knott of Red Lake Falls, Henry (Cynthia) Hoefer of Elk River, MN, Yvonne (Thomas) Schue of Lubbock, TX, Duane (Theresa) Hoefer of Brooklyn Park, MN, Timothy (Peggy) Hoefer of Red Lake Falls and Katherine (Thomas) Thedens of Elk River, MN; daughter-in-law, Barbara Hoefer of Moorhead, MN; 28 grandchildren, Mary Kay, Melanie, Jenipher, Karalyn, Karl, Sheila, Jay, Randy, Justin, Leah, Jonathan, Jordan, Josiah, Matthew, Christopher, Benjamin, Robert, Bridget, James, Katrina, Michael, Courtney, Paul, Stacy, Michelle, Amanda, Sarah and Emily; 39 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; sisters, Bernadine Loebach of Humboldt, IA and twin sister, Leona Schmitz Bevolden of Red Lake Falls; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; 2 children, Gerald and Russell; brothers and sisters, Andrew, Lawrence, Martin, Rose Kirsch, Regina Hageman, Philomena Kees and Helen Hoefer.