Edward M. Hoefler, 88, of N646 Cty Rd J, rural New Holstein died peacefully Wednesday evening May 8, 2024 with his family by his side at Morningside Health Care. He was born on October 21, 1935 in St. Anna, son of the late Edward and Anna (Hartmann) Hoefler. Ed attended St. Ann grade school and Kiel High School.

Ed was a veteran of the US Army, he received his training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO and was also stationed at Ft. Ord in California. On December 31, 1955 he was united in marriage to Margene Drake at St. Ann Catholic Church. Ed farmed in the Town of New Holstein for most of his life. Being an active and dedicated farmer, Ed was involved in many organizations. He received the Outstanding Young Farmer Award and was on the Board for the Tri-County Cooperative. Ed was very proud that his herd was ranked #1 in Calumet County for many years by the WDHIC.

In his younger years he played in the Army Softball League and continued to play Rec League softball when he moved back to New Holstein. He enjoyed bowling at Ninmer's Lanes and snowmobiling with his friends. In his free time he volunteered with the Jaycees, enjoyed meals out with his ROMEO club and card games with his poker club. Ed and Margene enjoyed traveling with family or to visit family whenever they had the chance. Above all else, time spent with family was important to Ed.

Survivors include his wife of 68 years; Margene, his children; Jeff Hoefler, Lynn (Bernie) Thibault, Todd (Jennifer) Hoefler, Ross (Donna) Hoefler, Rodd (Jenni) Hoefler, grandchildren; Krystal Thibault (Seth and his daughter; Piper), Marly and Edan Hoefler, Mattheis Hoefler and Chayse Hoefler. Further survived by his brothers; George (Mildred) Hoefler, Lester (Fern) Hoefler, sister-in-law; Eunice Hoefler along with numerous nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Joseph, Edmund and Herb (Stella) Hoefler, sisters; Evelyn (Robert) Koenig, Veronica (Ellsworth) Buchman, Mary (Charles) Grube and Lucille (Ervin) Koenig, sisters-in-law; Emily (Leonard) Rusch, Marilyn (Johnny) Bratz, father-in-law and mother-in-law; Edwin and Olive Drake.

Funeral Mass for Ed will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday May 14, 2024 at St. Ann Catholic Church (N188 School St. St. Anna – New Holstein). Visitation will take place in church on Tuesday from 9:00am until 10:45am when we will have family rites prior to Mass. Private entombment will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name.

Ed's family would like to thank so many great people who have helped them in so many ways. Special thanks to Marie and Sarah, New Holstein First Responders and the Calumet County Sheriffs Dept. They would also like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Sheboygan Aurora ICU, Morningside Health Care and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice. Your care to Ed and his family was deeply appreciated.