NEW ULM­­–Harry John Hofmeister, age 95, of New Ulm, passed away on February 27, 2025.

Harry was born on February 21, 1930, to Alfons and Bertha (Hogan) Hofmeister at the Brown County Poor Farm, which his parents managed at the time. He attended Holy Trinity Catholic School in New Ulm, graduating in 1948. On June 4, 1957, he married Lorraine Marie Lanners, and together they were blessed with seven children.

After high school, Harry worked on the family farm before joining the United States Army in 1954, serving as a clerk at the U.S. Army Garrison near Stuttgart, Germany. Upon returning home in 1956, he worked as a machinist at Del Monte before beginning a 40-year career at Kraft, where he served as the maintenance supervisor.

Beyond his work, Harry found joy in spending time with family, tending to his garden, fishing, playing cards, traveling, and working in his garage. He was an active member of the New Ulm community and a dedicated volunteer. He was a member of Cathedral of the Holy Trinity parish, where he served as a Eucharist Minister of Holy Communion and was involved with the Catholic Order of Foresters. He was also a longtime supporter of New Ulm Area Catholic Schools (NUACS), actively participating in school events and receiving the NUACS Service Award for his contributions.

For many years, Harry served as an Assistant Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 25, helping organize events, mentoring scouts, and supporting community initiatives. Later in life, he continued volunteering with the New Ulm Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and remained involved in various church and civic activities.

Harry was loved and will be missed by his children: Marie (Daniel) Goodell of San Francisco, CA; Janet (Randy) Pool of Bloomington, MN; Paula (Kevin) Phillippe of Minneapolis, MN; Michael (Marie) Hofmeister of Cross Plains, WI; Leo (Heather) Hofmeister of Chanhassen, MN; and Susan (Alan) Porter of Minneapolis, MN. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Sarah (Wes) Siers, Cynthia Hofmeister, Samantha (Jason) Stewart, Jo Phillippe, Ethan Hofmeister, Eleanor Hofmeister, and Jameson Porter; great-grandsons, Cooper Siers and Raymond Siers; siblings, Norman Hofmeister and LaVerne Schapekahm; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine; son, John; parents, Alfons and Bertha Hofmeister; siblings, Wallace Hofmeister, Adeline Lindberg, and Victor Hofmeister; sisters-in-law, Lydia (Norman) Hofmeister, Lorna (Wallace) Hofmeister, and Marilou (Victor) Hofmeister; and brother-in-law, Wally (LaVerne) Schapekahm.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 2 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. and Monday, March 3 from noon-1:30 p.m. at Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – North Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm, MN. Interment will take place at the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery following mass.

Memorials preferred to Cathedral of the Holy Trinity or Community and Seniors Together (CAST) in New Ulm.

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