Edward O. “Bud” Hofmeister, age 95 years, of Hillsboro, Wisconsin, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in his home with his daughter Tammy and caregivers present.
Bud was born on May 5, 1929, in Hillsboro, the son of Edward V. and Winifred (Richardson) Hofmeister and graduated from the Hillsboro High School in 1947.
Bud served in the U.S. Army Wisconsin National Guard from 1948 to 1957, with Company A, 732D Ord Bn, of Mauston.
Bud went to insurance school in Baltimore after high school. He started to work with his father, E.V., in the insurance industry, but then decided he wanted to own his own business.
In 1950, at age 19, Bud purchased the grocery store in downtown Hillsboro from Hugo “Dutch” Hagenah and started his career in the grocery business. He operated his store under the name Hofmeister Quality Market for decades. Bud loved the store and all the people who came in to shop. After some health issues, at age 65, Bud sold his business. After the sale, he continued to work at the store for another 10 years.
Bud married Alice Herbeck on January 25, 1959, at the First Congregational Church in Hillsboro. Alice became Bud's partner in the operation of the Hofmeister Quality Market. Alice preceded Bud in death on December 14, 2020.
Bud was a member and treasurer of the American Legion Post 223 in Hillsboro. Later in life he loved to golf with friends and family. He enjoyed the golf league and his golf mates at Spring Valley.
Survivors include his daughters, Tammy (Brent Bailey) Hofmeister of Monona and Mitzi (Tim) Havlik of Paducah, Kentucky; grandchildren, Melanie Havlik, Jonathan (Angel) Havlik, Jett Bailey and Reez Bailey; great grandchildren, Amber Havlik, Julie Mathis, Sebastian Havlik and Alek Havlik; sister, Bette (Gerald) Hines of Florida; brother, Steven Hofmeister of Hillsboro; nieces and nephews and dog, Sassy.
In addition, to his wives, Luanne and Alice; Edward also was preceded in death by parents, E.V. and Winifred Hofmeister, and his sister-in-law, Patsy Hofmeister.
A Celebration of Life with a Memorial Funeral Service will be held for both Bud and Alice on Monday, June 10, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in Hillsboro, Wisconsin. Interment with military rites will be in the Mount Vernon Cemetery in Hillsboro. A time of visitation will be held on Sunday, June 9, 2024 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro.
The family would like to thank Bud's current caregivers Tricia, Haylee, Heather, Shelley, Michelle and Abby; as well as the many other caregivers and friends who helped support Bud to age in place in his own home and community over the years. The family would also like to thank St. Croix Hospice nurse Lori for her kindness and support. Lastly, the family would like to thank Bud’s managed care team from Inclusa, Taylor his nurse and Kristen, Lea and Paige his social workers that supported the journey of dad staying in his own home.
The Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
