Gaylon E. Hofer

Gaylon Edward Hofer was born November 7, 1952 on the family farm in rural Scotland, SD. His parents were Sammy and Lydia (Haase) Hofer. Gaylon passed away May 11, 2017 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton.
He attended school in Scotland, SD, graduating in 1971. Following high school, he was drafted in 1973 into the United States Army and was stationed in Korea. Upon returning home he worked as a ranch hand in Isabel, SD. He returned to the Scotland area and farmed and later went on to drive truck for Alumax Extrusions.
Gaylons first love was horses, in particular his horse Rosie. For several years he traveled within the rodeo circuit, participating in the calf roping and team roping events. His rodeo career came to an end in 1985 due to a truck accident that left him paralyzed. Following this, he spent his years living his life to the fullest. He enjoyed taking his family fishing, hunting, and camping. He shared his love for horses and the rodeo by continuing to attend rodeos with them.
Some would think a wheelchair brings limitations. Gaylon, however, did not allow this to stop him. He attended every possible school activity, and if there was something he wanted to do or teach his children and grandchildren, he did it.
Gaylon and Cheryl enjoyed spending time together outdoors. Whether they were fishing, hunting, boating or just sitting out on the deck. They always made the most of it.
Gaylons memory will be cherished by his loving wife and longtime friend Cheryl, his three children, Amy (Jack) Eckert, Jackie (Corey) Vaith, John Hofer; his six grandchildren, Peyton and Abbie Eckert, Mirik and Parker Vaith, and Kaiden and Zoey Hofer. He is also survived by his wifes children, Dawn (Gary) Cunneen, Melanie Hall-Edwards and Bryan (Taray) Hall, eight grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren; one sister, Margaret (Dick) West, and 2 brothers, Curtis (Carol) Hofer and Lennis (Diane) Hofer and numerous nieces and nephews.
Gaylon was preceeded in death by his parents; infant brother Dennis Hofer, sister Elaine Jones and his granddaughter Mallory Vaith.