The Epworth Fire Department is saddened by the loss of one of our Honorary Firefighters, Stan Hoefer. Stan joined the Epworth Fire Department in 1975 and served for 25 years. He rose through the ranks of the department serving as a Lieutenant and he retired as a Captain. Stan also was the President of the Epworth Community Volunteer Firemen in 1991-92 and he also served multiple terms as Vice President previous to his presidency.

Stan was an active member of the volunteer ambulance service and was in the department's first EMT, EMT-Intermediate and also one of eight members who took the Paramedic Class at Mercy Hospital in 1988-89 when the department advanced to a provisional paramedic service. Stan was awarded the firefighter of the year award in 1987. He worked nights at H&W which meant that he dedicated many hours to the department when he should have been sleeping.

Stan was a mentor to many new firefighters and always volunteered to assist at training sessions, live fire burns and had in depth knowledge of ladders and ladder operations on the fire ground. He was active in visiting the schools for fire prevention week and responded to many emergencies in his 25 years on the department. He was a humble man who never wanted credit or acknowledgement for his service and would do what he could to train young members the ins and outs of firefighting.

Our sincere sympathy is extended to his wife Nancy, sons Tony and Andy, daughter Kristy and all of his grandchildren and siblings. He was a wonderful asset to our department and he will be missed.

HIs full obituary can be read at the following link: https://www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com/obituary/stan-hoefer?fh_id=11756

Stan C. Hoefer, 72, of Epworth, Iowa passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at MercyOne in Dubuque, Iowa. Visitation for Stan will be held from 12 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 11:30 a.m. and the Epworth Fire Department will meet in a body at 6 p.m. Visitation will also be held after 9 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial for Stan will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 18, 2024, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Epworth, Iowa with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding. Burial will follow in the St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Epworth, Iowa with the Striking of the four fives afforded by the Epworth Fire Department.

Stan was born February 27, 1952, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Charles and Clarice “Lavon” (Smith) Hoefer. He was a graduate of Western Dubuque High School in Epworth, Iowa. On May 21, 1977, he was united in marriage to Nancy Maiers at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Holy Cross, Iowa. Stan worked for H&W Trucking for 31 years Aug. 1971- Feb. 2002. He also worked as a Bus Driver of Western Dubuque School District for 20 years. Stan also served on the Epworth Fire Department for 25 years, 1975-2001 where he was one of the first members to attend the first Paramedic Class 1988-1989, Fire fighter of the year in 1987, served as past president 1991 and 1992, and retired as Captain.

Stan was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who truly enjoyed his time with his family. He loved attending the grandkids sporting events which he typically came early enough to get the closest parking spot and his favorite spot to sit. Stan also coached Epworth town Baseball. He also enjoyed his Golf cart rides around town and Thursday night cards. Stan was an avid Chicago Cubs, Iowa Hawkeyes, and Western Dubuque Bobcat fan.

He was a member of the St. Patrick's Parish in Epworth.

Those left to cherish Stanley's memory are his wife, Nancy Hoefer of Epworth; three children, Tony Hoefer of Epworth, Andy (Crystal) Hoefer of Peosta, and Kristy (Brent) Goldsmith of Dyersville; six grandchildren, Hannah, Lacey, and Bo Hoefer, Neena, Blake, and Nolan Goldsmith; four siblings, Steve "Buck" Hoefer of Epworth, Vickie (Gene) Nauman of Lake in the Hills, IL, Cindy (Joe) Leibold of Farley, Dennis "D.J." (Barb) Hoefer of Clinton; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ted (Barb) Maiers, Brian (Ann) Maiers both of Holy Cross, Terry (Rae Ann) Maiers of Dubuque, Jeanne (Ray) Corry of North Liberty, and Kathy (Bill) Wasilenko of Chesapeake, VA.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and father and mother-in-law, Emmett and Mabel (Klein) Maiers.

The family would like to give a special thank you to ICU staff at MercyOne especially Dr. Simsir and Nurse Abbie for the wonderful care they gave to Stan.

A Video tribute may be viewed, and online condolence may be given to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com