Donald F. Hofbauer

The funeral mass for Donald Frank Hofbauer will be Friday, December 1, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church (1114 3rd Street SE) with Rev. Msgr. Thomas Cook officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 30, 2017 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Donald was 86 at the time of his death. A longtime resident of Rochester, MN. He passed away Monday, November 27, 2017 at home, surrounded by his family. Donald was born April 7, 1931 at his home in Carroll County, IA to John W. and Philomena E. (Balk) Hofbauer. He was the oldest son of 13 children. In 1951 Donald joined the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War. On September 16, 1953 he married his love, Sally Louise Brooks in Rochester, MN at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Together they made their home in Rochester. In 1959 Donald and Sally bought Rochester Fire Extinguisher Company. The company is still up and running today, by his son Rodney. Donald and Sally were married for 50 years. Sally passed away on November 21, 2003. Donald and Sally were blessed with seven children, Donald W. Hofbauer, Stanley (Susan) Hofbauer, Rodney Hofbauer and Tammy Hofbauer all of Rochester, Robin (Donald) McEwen of Austin, MN, Diane (Lee) Kelly of LaCrosse, WI and Sherry (Rod) Scharberg of Oronoco, MN; 20 grandchildren, Heather, Trina, Jennifer, John, Michael, Sarah, Paul, Daniel, Jason, Alan, Laura, Jessy, Matthew, Wendy, Katie, Kelly, Kyle, Janessa, Sabrina and Jerod; many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Don enjoyed his lake home in Waterville, MN, traveling, bowling, fishing, the MN Vikings and Twins, sequence, cards, ice cream and the thrill of the Casino. Donald met Betty Attleson and she was his companion for the rest of his life. She kept him very busy. They enjoyed many of the same activities. He is survived by his sisters, Ruth, Imogene, Sharon, Connie; brothers, Dale, Royden, Stanley and Steven. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Philomena; granddaughter, Heather; great grandson, Noah; and his sisters, Verniel, Verla, Marjorie and Shirley Rose. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 (507) 289-3600