Gene L. Hofbauer

Gene Leray Hofbauer, age 87, of Rankin, IL, passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at Heritage Health in Hoopeston. He was born on September 27, 1936, in his grandparents’ Leo and Minnie Burroughs’ home, in Westfield, IN. Gene was the son of Joel and Mary (Burroughs) Hofbauer of Rankin, IL. Gene married his high school sweetheart, Elsie Hasler, on August 9, 1958, in Wheaton, IL. They have one son, Glen Michael Hofbauer (Janene Erwin); three grandchildren, Amanda (Chad) Smith, Benjamin (Nichole) Hofbauer, and Joseph Hofbauer; and seven great-grandchildren, Ariel, Aurora, Allison, Aubrianna, Adeline, Jacob, and John. Gene grew up with a younger sister, Judy, and younger brother, James, on a dairy and grain farm east of Rankin. While young, he spent some time with his great uncle Ed and aunt Anna Moser near Claytonville, while his mother Mary recovered from Tuberculosis. Gene was involved with the farming operation and was successful showing Holstein cattle at local fairs. He attended Rankin Grade School and graduated from Rankin Township High School in 1955. Gene was active in FFA and was a 1955 Section Winner for Dairy presented by Illinois FFA and awarded Illinois State Farmer. Gene served in the United States Marine Corps from 1956-1958, before starting his farming career. While farming, he worked many years as a DeKalb seed representative and salesman. He also worked in the community, serving on the Rankin Grade School Board, Rankin Town Board, Butler Township Trustee, and candidate for Illinois Corn Growers Association. Gene enjoyed hunting and fishing, and spent many enjoyable winters in Okeechobee, FL. He was a member of Treasure Island Baptist Church, Florida, and Christian Bible Church, Cissna Park, and the Rankin Lion's Club. A visitation will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., at Cox-Knapp Funeral Home in Rankin. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at Christian Bible Church in Cissna Park, with additional visitation one hour prior. A graveside service with military rites will follow at Rankin Union Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Christian Bible Church or Rankin Lion’s Club.

Gene L. Hofbauer

September 27, 1936 - May 26, 2024