Dorothy Ann Hofner, 100, passed away peacefully at her home in Rochester, on October 9, 2026. Throughout her century of life, Dorothy nurtured the things she loved most, her family, her garden, and a life rooted in kindness, hard work, and generosity.

Dorothy was born on February 8, 1926, in Eyota, Minnesota, to Patrick and Elizabeth (McCabe) Horan. She attended school in Eyota and grew up on the farm, where she developed a lifelong love of the outdoors. Before her marriage, Dorothy worked at Home Bakery in Rochester and at the Zumbro cafeteria.

On December 9, 1950, Dorothy was united in marriage to Walter Hofner, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Rochester. A snowstorm made their wedding day especially memorable and marked the beginning of a life they would build together. They settled in the Spring Valley area, where they farmed together, raising dairy cattle, pigs, chickens, tending crops, and sharing in all the work and rewards of farm life. In their younger years, Dorothy and Walter enjoyed going to the movies and drives along the Mississippi River, admiring the fall leaves and picnicking with their children.

With a river running through their farm and trout streams nearby, Dorothy had plenty of opportunity to enjoy one of her favorite pastimes, fishing. She had loved fishing from a young age and once proudly earned Biggest Walleye at Lake Kabetogama. She also enjoyed trout fishing close to home. In 1972, Walter and Dorothy began building their Rochester home, a home Dorothy would remain in for the rest of her life.

Dorothy had a remarkable green thumb and took great pride in her gardens. She grew a wide variety of vegetables, with tomatoes being a specialty. She also had a knack for growing some of the biggest and most beautiful dahlias and roses. Dorothy canned much of what she grew and was always happy to share her harvest with others. Even at 100 years old, she was still giving away vegetables, a simple reflection of her generous spirit.

That same care was evident in her kitchen. Dorothy was a wonderful cook and was especially known for her homemade noodles, Swiss steak, and homemade bread. Dorothy was also a talented seamstress, often making clothing for her family. For Dorothy, preparing food and creating beautiful clothing were ways she cared for the people she loved.

Above all, Dorothy was kind, loving, and very supportive of her children and grandchildren. Dorothy leaves behind a beautiful legacy in the family she loved, the gardens she tended, the meals and harvests she shared, and the countless everyday kindnesses that filled her 100 years. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Dorothy is survived by her husband Walter, son Kerry (Carol), daughters Cheryl (Steve), Patricia, grandchildren Stephanie (Steve), Erica, great grandchildren Henry, Helen; sisters Sharon Hanson, Catherine Lexvold. She was preceded in death by her other brothers and sisters.

The family requests donations be made to Mayo Clinic Cancer Research.

A private family funeral will be held. Arrangements entrusted to Macken Funeral Home.