Chadrad.com

Funeral services for Freeman Jean Hoefer of Hay Springs, NE will be at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 15, 2016 at the United Methodist Church in Hay Springs, NE with Reverend Paul Smith and Reverend Al Trucano officiating.

Visitation will be at 7:00 PM on Sunday, August 14, 2016 at Chamberlain Drabbels Mortuary in Hay Springs.

A memorial has been established for the Hay Springs Methodist Church or the Hay Springs Fire Department. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Drabbels Mortuary, PO Box 443, Hay Springs, NE 69347.

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchamberlain.com.

Jean was born on the family farm on January 14, 1923. He was the second one born of a set of twins. He attended Hay Springs school system K-12. He and his two sisters rode five miles to school one way.

Jean worked a year after graduation at the Northwestern State Bank as a teller. He then joined the Navy in 1943. He went to Chicago and then to Washington state. His duty was copying Japanese Code. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

Vera Dahl and Freeman Jean Hoefer were married on August 3, 1943. They were married 72 years this August. To this union, three children were born. Two children died in infancy.

Jean was a Life Member of the American Legion for 70 years and 50 plus years in the Hay Springs Fire Department. Jean was also a long-standing member of the Odd Fellows until it disbanded.

He farmed on the family farm for 16 years. He also worked at Northwestern State Bank of Hay Springs and First National Bank of Chadron.

After retirement, he enjoyed traveling in their camper. Vera and Jean visited all 50 states and various countries.

He did lots of volunteer work. He helped unload groceries for J&L Grocery until three years ago. He also helped his son, Dennis, at the Hunting Camp in Colorado till the age of 85.

He loved playing bells with the Joy Bells and the Legionnaires Quartet for 10 years. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Jean was preceded in death by father Freeman in 1949; mother Myrtle in 1987; infant daughter Jeanette; infant son Rodger; sister Carol Reno; and twin sister Jessie Goodin.

Jean is survived by wife Vera; son Dennis; grandchildren Candace (Tony) Mrsny and Bryan (Lauren); great-grandchildren Chloe, Tahya, Alana, Lane and Rylan; cousin Betty Binger; and many nieces and nephews.

Chamberlain Drabbels Mortuary of Hay Springs is in charge of arrangements for Freeman Jean Hoefer.