On August 10, 2026, lifelong Logan resident Richard Dale Hofaker passed away at the Logan Manor at the age of 87. Born on May 9, 1939, Richard was the fourth child and only son of Richard Adam and Jennie (Mulder) Hofaker. He was born on the family farm northwest of Logan and lived there all of his life while farming, teaching, and raising a family. He was frequently visited by his older sisters, and always spoiled by their love and support.

Richard attended Palmer Country School for several years until around 8th grade, during which time he continued his education at Logan Schools, graduating from high school with the class of 1957. He then attended Fort Hays College for four years, graduating with a Bachelor's in Agricultural Science in 1961, after which he returned to the family farm. All three of Richard’s sisters had taught in the “one-room school houses” of the area, and since teaching seemed to run in the family, he went back to Fort Hays in 1976 to obtain his Master's Degree in Elementary Education. Beginning in 1980, Richard taught 5th and 6th grade (math/science/social studies) in Logan until retiring in 2007. He always provided the extra help to ensure that all of his students would learn the concepts being taught. More importantly, he made each student feel special and loved, often just talking with students in the morning before class about how their weekend was or their favorite dog or horse. Whether it was taking classes to the circus, building model rockets, or raising classroom guinea pigs and fish, his students were always learning.

On October 27, 1963, he was married to Doris Doan, the love of his life. They celebrated 62 wonderful years together, and in Richard’s words, Doris was “just as beautiful as the day he met her.” After being married, they were blessed with three sons: Jay Richard, Jeffrey Dale, and Jerrod Adam. Richard and Doris worked side by side, farming and ranching for over fifty years, teaching for 27, as well as raising their three sons. He absolutely loved milking cows and would often recount memories of riding his dad’s horse “Smokie” up the creek with dog “Jip” to bring the cows back down to the barn. While a slow walk was always the preferred method, sometimes the energetic Jip would have a faster method in mind. Even after retirement, he would often say, “Let’s get a milk cow for fun,” or “We need some chickens to take care of.” He loved caring for and tending to animals of all sorts on the farm. But above all, Richard always enjoyed working with his family on the farm, no matter in which activity they were engaged. He would always say, “It’s not quantity of time, it’s quality of time that’s important.”

Richard was an active member of the First Christian Church of Logan, serving as Sunday school teacher, youth group leader, chairman of the board, and elder of the church. Faith was very important to him, and he instilled that importance into each of his sons. Richard truly believed in, and always saw, the best in other people. When they were down, he would lift them up, as he knew that nobody is perfect.

Traveling was also an enjoyable pastime after retirement. Whether it was to watch grandchildren’s ballgames and activities, visiting relatives and friends, or attending auctions, Richard was always up for an adventure. Many times the adventure was finding that special something at an auction that he just couldn’t live without, even if it was just a slice of chocolate pie! One of his favorite trips was to Europe in the Summer of 2010, visiting Italy, Switzerland, Austria, France, and Germany. Another special trip was in 2024, when he was able to travel to South Dakota with family to see Mount Rushmore. Most recently, even though it was difficult for him to get around, he took a UTV ride with Jerrod around the farm to check out the crops, cows and to reminisce about his grandparents who came from Germany and how they homesteaded the family farm.

Richard loved homemade ice cream, chocolate cake (or anything chocolate), and gatherings of friends and family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him so much pride and joy! He was especially excited to meet his first great-granddaughter Haven, shortly before he passed away.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents Richard A. and Jennie (Mulder) Hofaker, sister Gladys Archer, brother-in-law Leonard (Bud) Archer, sister Esther Carver, brother-in-law Lloyd Carver, sister Freida States, and brother-in-law Arnold States.

Richard is survived by his wife Doris, sons: Jay Hofaker and wife Paula of Logan, KS; Jeff Hofaker and wife Stacey of Holdrege, NE; Jerrod Hofaker and wife Jess of Logan, KS; five grandchildren: Kayla and husband Robert Mason of Salina, KS, Faith and husband Luke Ericson of Salina, KS; Destiny Hofaker of Kearney, NE, Tristan Hofaker of Omaha, NE; and Daelynn Hofaker of Lincoln, NE; three great-grandchildren: R. Gabriel Mason, Oliver T. Ericson, and Haven E. Mason. Another great-granddaughter will be welcomed to the family in December. Richard is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and very dear friends!

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Logan Christian Church, with Pastor Troy Buss officiating. The services will be streamed on the Hugunin Family Funeral Homes Facebook page. Interment will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery, Logan.

Mr. Hofaker will lie in state from noon until 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the Logan Funeral Home, Logan.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Logan Christian Church or Logan Manor.