Raymond Bill Hoffart

Raymond Billy (Bill) Hoffart, 89, of Plainview, Nebraska, passed away November 20, 2017 at Faith Regional Hospital in Norfolk, Nebraska.

Bill was born January 26, 1928, at Plainview, Nebraska, to William and Madge (Taylor) Hoffart. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He attended Brunswick High School. He served as a medic in the Korean War in the United States Army from 1950—1952, receiving an honorable discharge as a Sergeant.

On March 11, 1953, he married Dona Lou McKnight. To this marriage were born five children: Donna Rae, Cindy, Jolene, Susan, and Stu. He also adopted Dona’s daughter, Maureen.

For several years, Bill farmed in and around the Plainview area as well as serving as a school bus driver for the Plainview Public school system.

After selling the farm, Bill and Dona moved to Norfolk, Nebraska, where Bill worked for the Nebraska State Department of Roads until he retired in 1994. He and Dona then moved back to Plainview where he enjoyed participating in church activities, serving on the Plainview Manor board, hunting, fishing, and dancing. Dona died June 21, 1998.

Bill is remembered for his remarkable baking skills especially his pies. He also was an involved grandpa making Santa Claus calls, helping budding fishers and hunters, and also attending Plainview Legion dances.

It was at one of these dances that he first met Liz Marshall of Harvard, Nebraska. This meeting quickly blossomed into a deep and abiding love evidenced by their devotion to and concern for each other. He could have had no better caregiver in the days of his illness.

Bill is survived by his beloved Liz, five daughters : Maureen (Gary) Eggert of Grand Island, Nebraska; Donna Rae (Larry) Kauble of Glendale, Arizona; Cindy (Gary) German of Cortland, Nebraska; Jolene Keithley of Tucson, Arizona; Susan (Bob) Gentzler of Fremont, Nebraska; one son Stu (Jill Sooey) Hoffart of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren; two brothers, Dean (Doris Opplinger) Hoffart and Jerry (Shirley Davids) Hoffart; numerous nieces and nephews , and a host of friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Dona; his brother Keith; an infant sister; and his parents.

Services will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church on Monday, November 27, at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will take place at the church on Sunday, November 26, from 4-7. Ashburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.