John J Hofer, 85, a blacksmith of the Hillside Hutterite Colony at Sweet Grass, passed away January 4, 2009 at the Shelby hospital from cancer.  Services will be at noon on Tuesday, January 6, at the Hillside Colony.

John was born December 17, 1923 at the Elmspring Hutterite Colony at Alexandria , South Dakota to John and Katharina (Wurz) Hofer.  He is survived by his wife, Katie, daughter and special son-in-law, Linda and Amos Waldner, and very special grandson, Jerry, all of Sweet Grass; and beloved son, Andy of Washington.  John is also survived by his sisters, Rebecca and Mary of Sweet Grass; Susie of Choteau; and Anna of Raymond, Alberta .  He is preceded in death by a very precious son, John; brothers, Mike of Chester, Dave of Sweet Grass, Jake of Sunburst, Andy of South Dakota, and Andy of Warner, Alberta ; and sister, Katie of Valier.

John was a blacksmith for 45 years and an all-around handyman.  He will be greatly missed by all.