Edwin Carl Hofstetter, 100 years 8 months, passed away February 11, 2022, at Providence Place in Kansas City, Kansas. Edwin was born June 10, 1921, to Henry and Williamina (Beisner) Hofstetter at their home in rural Osborne County north of Natoma, Kansas. He graduated from Natoma High School. He joined the United States Army in 1942 and served as a Staff Sergeant in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. He left the military at the end of the war in October 1945. He received the American Theater Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; EAME Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars; and a Good Conduct Medal.
He married Neita Luhman August 28, 1948. They lived at their farm north of Natoma where they raised their two sons. Edwin was a lifelong member of Peace Lutheran Church in Natoma and over the years served the congregation in several positions. He belonged to the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240, served on the Round Mound Township Board, and the Natoma School Board. After retiring from farming, Ed and Neita moved to their home in Natoma. They celebrated 65 years of marriage. Edwin enjoyed pitching horseshoes, playing basketball, playing pitch and pinochle, hunting, and watching K. U. sports. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren and laughing uncontrollably at a good joke.
Edwin is survived by his sons, Darrel Hofstetter and wife Nancy of Tonganoxie, Kansas, and Roy Hofstetter of Cummings, Kansas; and by seven grandchildren: Corbin Hofstetter and wife Barb of Shawnee, Kansas, Rachael Hofstetter of Smithville, Missouri, Andrea Hofstetter of Kansas City, Missouri, Janelle Martinelli and husband Byron of Parkville, Missouri, Chad Hofstetter of Cummings, Kansas, Kristyn Sweeney and husband Sean of Spring Hill, Kansas, Joshua Hofstetter and wife Rebecca of Carroll, Iowa, and by 12 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his younger brother Paul Hofstetter (96) and wife Deloris of Hill City, Kansas and many nieces and nephews.
Edwin was preceded in death by his parents, wife Neita, brother Ernest Hofstetter, and sister Frieda Pfortmiller.
Edwin’s funeral will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, February 18, 2022, at the Peace Lutheran Church in Natoma, Kansas. Burial will follow at the North Lutheran Cemetery north of Natoma. Military honors will be provided by the Russell V.F.W. Post 6240. Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. to 10:45 A.M. at the church the day of the service. Memorials may be given to the Lutheran Hour Ministries and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.