Daniel W. Hofacker

Daniel W. Hofacker, age 75, of Eau Claire, WI, formerly of Menomonie, WI, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on March 22, 2025 at his home.

Born on August 25, 1949, in Durand, WI, to Walter and Dorothy (Wakefield) Hofacker, Dan attended St. Henry’s grade school in Eau Galle and went onto graduate from Menomonie High School in 1968. After high school, he attended CVCT for welding, while starting his work career.

On October 11, 1969, Dan married his first wife, Dixie Pickerign, and together they had a daughter, Deanna. He later married Lorrie Kraft on May 17, 1986, beginning a life filled with love and adventure.

Dan had a few jobs before starting with Moose Halama Distributing in 1970. He then spent the next 20 years in car repair, managing the Cenex Co-op Service Station. Dan finished his career with K&M Tire as a District Sales Manager. He enjoyed this position, traveled extensively, and cultivated many relationships in the industry.

Dan was an avid Green Bay Packer fan and found great joy in life’s many travels, from fishing trips in Key West, a sales reward trip to Italy, and exploring the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America on cruises. He and Lorrie cherished their road trips to the western United States. He also loved golfing and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, where he was their proudest cheerleader.

One of the most defining moments of Dan’s life was receiving a heart transplant on October 7, 1987, a gift of life that he never took for granted. Dan was always deeply appreciative of his donor, and despite the challenges he faced with his health, he never complained or considered why it happened to him, but chose to live life to the fullest. Instead, he focused on the joy he found in being with his loved ones. Dan made the most of his gift of life, as he faced multiple health challenges including surviving lymphoma in 2005.

Dan is survived by his devoted wife, Lorrie; daughter, Deanna (David) Thornton of Portland OR; his stepson, Craig (Nikki) Turner of Menomonie, WI; and grandchildren, Luke Thornton, Jack Thornton, Joss Turner, and Kellen Turner. He is also survived by his siblings, Ed (Gail) Hofacker, Susan (Calvin) Whirry, and Cindy (Ed) Hewitt, as well as his in-laws, Mike (Lyn) Kraft and Brian (Terry) Kraft, and his mother-in-law, Nancy Kraft. He is further survived by many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Dorothy Hofacker, and his father-in-law, Lyle Kraft.

A special thank you to the University of Minnesota Heart Transplant Team for all their years of compassionate care and support, as well as St. Croix Hospice for their wonderful care during Dan’s final journey.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Second Chance for Life Foundation (University of Minnesota), at https://www.scflf.org/

A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI with Celebrant Teresa Pejsa officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 2:00–4:00 p.m., and a meal will follow the service. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Parish Cemetery at a later date.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com