Albion Hoffner

Albion Hoffner, 88 of Devils Lake and Esmond ND passed away on Saturday morning, January 23, 2021 at Eventide Devils Lake Care Center with loving family at his side.

Mass of Christian Burial for Albion will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Esmond with Reverend Brian Bachmeier and Reverend Bernard Pfau concelebrating the Mass.  Burial will be in St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery, rural Esmond.

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 6:00 p.m.  Visitation at Esmond will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. 

Albion was born in Esmond on November 9, 1932 one of 10 children born to Sebastian and Theresia (Gefroh) Hoffner. He was raised on the family farm, educated in the Esmond area, and graduated from Esmond High School. 

Albion farmed the land he loved from 1952 until 1991 when he retired.  He may have physically moved to Devils Lake in 1991 but his heart never left the farm.  Albion married his beloved Theresia Pfeifer on November 6, 1952 at Selz ND and they lived, worked, and raised their family together through the years on the farm at Esmond and later retired to Devils Lake. 

In addition to farming, Albion drove school bus for the Esmond School District for many years.  He was continually active in the community, serving on the Impark Township Board and the Buffalo Lake Wildlife Board.  He loved his Lord and was an active member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Esmond and was a life member of the Knights of Columbus in Esmond, serving as secretary and as a 4^th Degree Knight in Harvey ND.   He taught 6^th grade CCD and gave of his time to the Diocesan CCD Board.  After moving to Devils Lake, Albion and Theresia attended St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Albion had a very keen eye in spotting Indian artifacts and had quite an extensive collection.  He enjoyed league bowling and playing cards with family and friends.  But when there was time to sit and relax, Albion would be found out on the patio, taking in the beauty and blessings of nature, the outdoors, the wildlife, and the serenity of life in the country.

Albion’s faith and his loving family were the sustaining forces in his life that brought him so much joy, comfort, and peace. He was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  He loved being a grandpa and watching the grandchildren in their many activities and celebrating birthdays and other special events together as a family whenever possible. 

Albion’s survivors include his wife Theresia of 68 years; children and their spouses Emmett and Debra Hoffner, Clarissa MN, Emily Hoffner, Fargo ND, Everett and Mary Hoffner, Esmond ND and Eldon and Maria Hoffner, Gustine CA; five granddaughters and five grandsons; fourteen great grandchildren and two step great grandchildren; sister Carlotta Goldade, Minot ND; brothers Sylvester Hoffner, Esmond, Leander (Jeanette) Hoffner, Minot, Serenus (Janet) Hoffner, Bismarck ND; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law John Ripplinger and Arlene Hoffner both of Harvey ND, Wayne Hopkins, Bismarck, Irene Senger, Yakima WA and Lydia Muscha, Fargo; many nieces, nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Valaria Hoffner, Isabelle Ripplinger, Alice Kirkpatrick, Lavinia Hopkins, brother Llewellyn Hoffner and father-in-law and mother-in-law Sebastian and Veronica Pfeifer.

Casket Bearers will be grandsons Nathan Hoffner, Jay Hoffner, Dallas Davidson, Duston Hoffner, Eric Hoffner and family friend Paul Vetsch. Reading the Scriptures will be Eric Hoffner and nephew Brent Hoffner, and Eucharistic Gift Bearers will be granddaughters present Allison Hauck, Whitney Hoffner, Lacey Stevens and Amie Hoffner and Heather Harms. Altar server will be Johnny Vetsch. Music will be provided by Rosalie Axtman and Helen Arnold.

Please keep your health and safety and that of others in mind when attending any of the services.  Masks and social distancing are required and please respect the families desire to keep everyone safe.