Jonathan “Jon” Hofer was born to Barney and Bonnie Hofer in the early morning hours on August 5, 1980 and left this life on November 29, 2020 at the family home in Miles City. Jon attended elementary and junior high in Miles City, graduating in 1999 from Custer County High School where he was involved with FFA and formed many friendships that continued his entire life. Jon was baptized into the Lord on August 24,1980 at Trinity Lutheran Church and confirmed into the Lutheran faith at the First Lutheran Church on May 11, 1997. Matthew (Matt) joined the family in 1982 and the two of them became inseparable throughout their childhood. Then along came Robert, (Rob) when Jon was 16 years old and it was actually Jon who drove Rob and Mom home from the hospital after Rob’s birth. Both big brothers welcomed Rob with open arms despite their age differences. During high school, Jon worked on several ranches in the summer months. More recently he cooked at hunting camps for a couple of seasons and ventured into a feedlot cleaning business for a short period of time. It was with great pride that he began employment with Equipment Management Solutions as general manager, as he had found his niche helping truckers and motorists stranded on the highways and backroads of eastern Montana. Jon became involved with gunsmithing and reloading which fit nicely into his love of the outdoors, hunting and fishing. Nothing gave him more pleasure than hearing about someone’s most recent trophy hunt. He nurtured friendships to many and genuinely cared for them more than he cared for himself. It is said that he had a “heart the size of Montana” and “would do anything for anyone.” His positive, fun-loving outlook and strong-willed personality will be remembered by all who knew him. Small children and pets naturally gravitated toward Jon’s gentle soul.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Mary and Emil Hofer and Bill Nesbit and Alvina Nesbit Study, and his beloved yellow lab, Ramsey. Jon is survived by his parents of Miles City, Matt of Kinsey and Rob and his significant other, Mariah Schell, both of Billings.
Jon requested to be cremated and his ashes will be scattered along with Ramsey’s ashes at a later date; however, Jon very specifically requested a “small smidgen” of his ashes be added to a reloaded rifle round and a friend or family member use that round to shoot an elk so that he can go on “one last elk hunt.”
Memorials may be made to Custer County Fund for Animals or to the charity of ones choice in Jon’s name. Other outdoor educational opportunities for Montana’s youth are also being explored.
Jon, we love you and will miss your smirky smile, belly laugh, easy conversation and big heart so much. With the grace of God, the hole in our hearts will be filled with our many memories.
An open visitation will be held on Saturday, December 5 at Stevenson’s Funeral Home from 1:00-4:00 pm. The family is requesting that all attending wear a mask in an attempt to curb the spread of this cruel and indiscriminate COVID virus. A video tribute of Jon’s life may be viewed and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday December 5, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday December 5, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
GARY AND PAT HELM says
TO JONS FAMILY OUR HEARTS GO TO YOU ALL.JON WAS THE GREATEST GUY, LOVED HAVING HIM AROUND. WAS LIKE HAVING ANOTHER GRANDKID ADDED TO THE FAMILY, LOVED HIM SO MUCH.
Sandy and Ric Rabe says
My heart is so sad for you. Ric and I send our prayers and love to you. He was a special man. May God give you comfort in wonderful memories.
Denise and Jay Harvey says
To all of Jon’s wonderful family and friends,
My heart is hurting for all of you. My love and prayers are with you. May the Lord carry you through this difficult time.
Denise and Jay Harvey
Doreen E Withee says
My heart is heavy. I’m so very sorry this sorrow is upon you. Our prayers of comfort and peace to you all.
Doreen and David Withee
Martha J CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Howard Shawver and Family says
My condolences to the family. Jon was the best friend anyone could ask for. I will miss him forever, but I have an archive of awesome hunting memories that I will use to try to get by.
Ted Stein says
My condolences go out to not only his family, but also to his other family at EMS and Rolling Rubber. He was always professional and knowledgeable anytime I dealt with him for work. He will be missed!
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Lynn Anderson says
My sincere condolences to Bonnie and the family. You are in my prayers during this very difficult time.
Tyler and Erin Niedge says
The years that Jonny “Ho”, Johnny “Hun”, and myself spent together are some of the most cherished memories I have. My thoughts are with all of you. Barney, Bonnie, Matt and Robert, I am so sorry for your lose. Our condolences go out to all of you.
Tyler and Julie Cook says
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Scott Aye says
My deepest sympathies to the whole Hofer Family for your loss. Jon was a great friend and truly one of the kindest and most good hearted people I have ever known in my life. He will truly be missed by myself and so many others. So sorry for your loss.
Tina Pierce says
Growing up with Jon, I have so many memories to choose from! He was always there for me whenever I needed him and had one of the biggest hearts of anyone I have known. He will be greatly missed but will live on in hearts of the many peoples lives that were touched by him. My thoughts and prayers go out to Barney, Bonnie, Matt & Robert and his entire family.
Carol Bean says
We are so heartbroken to hear of John’s passing. God be with all of you at this time.
JR & Carol
Pam Rogge says
Bonnie and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time and in the days ahead. Jon will be missed by many who knew and loved him!
Jeff Faycosh says
I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers to the Hofer Family.
Vickie Schneidt says
Heartbreaking for so many. Prayers & hugs,
Gene & Vickie
Charlie & Kathy Beauchot says
Charlie and I are so very sorry for your heart breaking loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
Toni Rentschler says
Oh my dear cousin. God bless you in your transition to heaven. Please give all our love to those you see and tell them we love them as much as we love you! God bless you
Jim and Annalise Willson says
Barney, Bonnie, Matt and Robert
Our hearts and prayers go out to each and every one of you. Still remember Jon in AAU wrestling when he was just 6 or 7. Watched him grow through out the years. He will be missed by many. Keep all those
wonderful memories close and they will help you through this time
Jim and Annalise Willson
Jason & Andrea Sibble says
You were such a good friend to so many. You always made Kensley giggle, always had us laughing. You were loved by everyone that was lucky enough to know you. Gone way to soon. We miss you already Jon.
Im sure your cruising around with Ramsey up there.
Doug Benge says
Barney, Bonnie, Matt & Robert:
So very sorry to learn of Jon’s passing. Didn’t get to know him as well as you, as Bonnie was sort of his administrative assistant, he didn’t like bookwork! My impression was he worked hard, and was a gentle loving member of the family. Best wishes to all.
Bruce Ingraham says
I’m sorry to here about Jon. I helped coach Jon in little league baseball. He was always the perfect gentleman. In later years he always had time to visit whenever I saw him. He will certainly be missed by many. You’re in our thoughts. Bruce and Cindy Ingraham
Deb Schmeliing says
Dear Cousins.
So sorry to hear about Jon. May God wrap His loving arms around each one of you. Cherish the memories of Jon he was such a friendly kid. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs
Deb
Shirley A Rolf says
Barney and Bonnie and the rest of Jon’s family. So sorry to hear of his passing. Does not seem right to lose one our kids.
Jim and Cathy Bastian says
We are so very sorry! You will be in our prayers as you go through this hard, hard, time. Nothing compares to the loss of a child. Our hearts are with you. May the Lord hold you close and carry you.
Janet Dinardi says
Jon was a nice young man and I know he will be missed so very much. Know that I will keep you in my prayers. May God grant you peace and his comfort.
Pat and Sheila Haughian says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you 💟
Dax Muri says
Bonnie, Barney, Matt and Robert. Your in our prayers. I’m sure gonna miss him. Whenever I needed a laugh or an argument he was my guy. I will cherish but, undoubtedly miss, our conversations, our shooting matches, our bets, our shared recipes, our inside jokes and our times when we didn’t have to say anything but, just enjoyed each other’s company. He was one of the good ones!
Myrna Stone says
I was saddened when I heard of Jon’s passing. May you be comforted with the love of God.
Donna Leitholt-Taylor says
To Jon’s family so sorry for your loss.
Chris Schlepp says
Hofer family your in my prayers. So sorry to hear about Jon passing. He was a hell of a good guy and always willing to take a minute to sit and chat. Gone but never forgotten.
Voni Tally says
We are so deeply sorry for your loss- how heartbreaking. Prayers of continued comfort to your family!🙏
Voni & Scott Tally
Maureen Larson says
I am so very sorry and saddened for your loss. My heart and prayers go out to all of you and may God comfort you.
Barbara Hoover says
Barney, Bonnie, Matt and Robert. You all are in our prayers. Much love to you all. Keith and Barb Hoover
Glennda and Bill Wolf says
We are saddened by the heartbreaking loss of Jon. May God carry you through this time.
Tom and Lillian Ostendorf says
So very sad to hear of Jon’s passing. I know your heart’s are breaking. Hugs and prayers for you all. Jon was a fun young man and will be fondly remembered.
Cathy Pyle says
Dear Barney & Bonnie my heart pours for you & your family!!! Donnie & I are So so sorry.
Donnie (Berl) & Cathy Pyle
Cindy and Dale Berg says
Bonnie, Barney and family, So very sorry.. You are in our prayers as is go through this very sad and hard time. God bless you all .
Theresa Williams says
From Tiny and Theresa Williams, we have so many memories of Jon growing up, from us all being in study hall together, to stopping and visiting just cause we seen each other drive by. Your big heart will be missed by all.
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Bonnie, Barney and Family, I am so very sorry for your loss of Jon. Sending condolences, comfort and prayers during this sad time.
Doug and Kim Blunt says
Dear Barney and Bonnie and family, We are so saddened to learn of your dear son’s/brother’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Anita Murnin says
Bonnie , Barney, Matt, and Rob, so sorry for your loss. We have such great memories with Jon over the years. He will be truly missed! Bert and Anita
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
Amber Rolf says
Barney, Bonnie, Matt & Robert, I am so very sorry to hear about Jon. My heart breaks for each of you. Jon was such a special guy. Every single time I was around him, he made me smile. I have so many great memories with him. He was one of a kind and will be missed by all who knew him. Sending hugs and prayers to you all.
Mary Ottoy Snell says
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you all.
Ron and Connie Watts says
To all of Jon’s family – Our hearts break for you. May God’s love comfort you during this time and forever. “It’s not something you get over, but it’s something you get through.”
Much love and prayers.
Janis Ferrell says
My love and prayers go out for you Bonnie, Barney, Matt and Rob in this very difficult and sad time. Let your memories be a comfort to you.
LaRae says
Thoughts and prayers to the Hofer family during this difficult time.
Karla Elder says
To Jon’s family and his countless number of friends.
Thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Bonnie Scott says
To the Hofer family, my heart is breaking for you all. So sorry.
Dee Bickle says
We are so sorry for your loss! Our prayers are with you!
Sarah Tribby Stein says
I have so many great memories of Jon. He was such a gentleman and so so funny. My condolences to his entire family.
Reed and Sandra Reyman says
Barney and Bonnie
So sorry for your loss. God Bless.
Michael & Myrna Haughian and family says
We were saddened to hear of Jon’s passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike and Linda Niedge says
Bonnie, Barney, Matt and Robert,
We are heartbroken for you all. May your faith and your memories help you through this horrible loss. Jon was a great young man. God be with you! Deepest sympathy. Mike and Linda
Sydney Carlino says
Dearest cousin Bonnie and family. I’m so sorry for this profound loss. May you feel God’s love and comfort in the days to come. Love, Sydney
Jessie Leidholt says
Dear Hofer family, Jim and I am so sorry for your terrible loss. Our hearts are truly broken knowing the loss that you are bearing . God bless you all.
Amanda Niedge says
Barney, Bonnie, Matt and Robert,
My heart is broken for you. Jon was just so kind and giving. I have wonderful memories of the times we hung out together. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I hope you are comforted by your memories and God’s love.
Amanda
Wanda Gresens says
So sorry for your loss . Words are not enough , thinking of you at this time .
Wanda Gresens
Charles Landguth says
The death of a family member always sends shockwaves through the family, especially when the individual is so young. I have been told that burying one of your own children is one of the most difficult things a parent can ever do. Our thoughts, prayers and support for you in these difficult times as we reach out across the miles with our condolences and love. Go with God and as you carry this heavy burden know that we are there with you in spirit
Bev & Chuck Landguth
Karl Drga says
Condolences to the Hofer family. Jonny Ho was always good for a laugh and had such a big heart. We have lost another one of the good guys.
Karl & Ashli Drga
Teal Lind says
Barney, Bonnie, Matt and Robert
So sorry for your loss.
Gayle Muggli says
Our heartfelt condolences in your loss. May God keep you in his care.
John and Ethana Zumpf says
Bonnie, Barney, Matt and Rob, We grieve with you for your son and brother, a young man who touched the hearts of so many. God be with you to give you strength and comfort. Jon will be greatly missed.
John and Ethana
Pat Herzog says
Barney, Bonnie, Matt and Rob..so sorry for your very devastating loss 😢, Jon was so pleasant to visit with and always willing to lend a hand..we’ll hold all of you in our prayers through this difficult time..our deepest sympathy..❤ Monte and Pat Herzog
Kelly Childers says
I have so many memories of Jon–from the hugs I got from him in Little League when Jordan would come to Miles City to play, to the last time I saw him–an endless parade of them in my mind. He was like one of my own kids. I looked forward to his messages and phone calls, but especially when he would come stay with Sheldon and Noli, it was like a son coming to visit. You are all in my heart and in my prayers as you go through this difficult time. He was a special treasure to me and will never be forgotten.
JERRY AND BOBBI SCHLEPP says
So sorry for your loss
Larry & Deanna Hay says
Dear Bonnie & Family, we are so saddened to hear of the loss of your Son Jon..he was so young; our heartfelt sympathy is with you. May God Bless & Comfort you at this time..Take care, Love, Larry & Deanna Hay
Joe Bramhall says
Hofer Family, Heartfelt condolences for the passing of Jon. I have many fond childhood memories with Jon. Very genuine person that touched the lives of so many. Comfort and peace be with you at this difficult time. Please know you’re in our thoughts and prayers. Joe Bramhall
Barbara and Ron Hunziker says
To the Hofer family and everyone that loved Jon , words are not enough to express our sympathy. Our John and your Jon were such great friends and we considered Jon part of our family. His passing has left a great hole in our hearts. Yesterday I saw a well chewed up tennis ball under someone’s car and all I could think of was how glad Ramsey must have been to see Jon again
Ken and Joyce Holmlund says
Bonnie,Barney and all of Jon’s family and friends, our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of loss. Hold close all the good memories. May God wrap his arms around you all!
Tobi Heller says
Barney, Bonnie, Matt & Rob,
my heart aches for all of you. Jon-Jon was always kind and an all-around great person to be around. He will sorely be missed.
Jerry Rosencranz says
Dear Hofer Family,Cousin Bonnie, as we are deeply saddened by Jon’s early passing may we find peace and comfort knowing Jon is in God’s loving hands…forever. Loving cousin, Jerry.
Shane Lockie says
Hofer family you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Jon was an amazing guy and friend and gonna be missed by everyone. Rest easy Jon and until we meet again watch over us all.
Vickie Gunderson says
Barney and Bonnie, we are so incredibly sorry to hear about the loss of your son 😢. Our hearts are breaking for your family. May God’s love give you strength and comfort..hugs to you all.
Vickie and Dave Gunderson
Joe and Cathi Peila says
We are so very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for all of your family.
Sherry Stoltz says
I am so sorry for the loss of your son. Words cannot express my sadness ❤️My thoughts and prayers are with you
Stacy Mackenzie Scheid says
Bonnie, Barney & Family, I am SO very sorry to hear this!!!! You have my Love & Prayers, please know I am sure thinking about You, So sorry!!!
Stacy Scheid
Diana Pluhar Ruis says
Dear Bonnie, Barney and family,
What heartbreaking news to hear of the loss of your beloved son Jon. There are no words that can comfort a parent who has lost a child. Please know that we are praying that great memories will help somehow and for God’s grace to bring you peace. Sending love and hugs,
Lloyd and Diana Ruis
Rick and Joann Powell says
We are so sorry to hear about Jon’s passing. Rick and I have fond memories of him growing up. We are so sorry for your family.
Deb and Bob Hagemeister says
Bonnie, Barney, Matt and Rob. So sorry to hear about Jon! We so enjoyed his enthusiasm, quirky smile, twinkling eyes and sense of humor when he worked with us! Sending hugs, sharing tears and prayers for all the families!
Drew & Marni Gaskill says
Rob & family, our deepest condolences to you during this difficult time. We’re so sorry for your loss.
Tigh and Stephanie Fuhrman says
I’ll never forget the memories of working at the cattle-ac my college years with Jonny love and living with him and
Jeremy best of times. Also coming up to opheim hunting always brought a smile on everyone’s face that knew him up here never knew wat he would say to get a laugh out of ya or even someone that didn’t know him. Condolences to the Hofer family and all his friends he had so many.
Diana Elwood says
Chris and I send our deep felt sympathy to all of Jon’s family, may God hold and care for all of you at this hard time.
Chris and Diana Elwood
Erin O'Connor says
Barney, Bonnie, Matt & Rob,
Jon was one of my first friends when I moved to Miles City, having met him through Tina when we were college roommates. The year before I moved to MC, if the feedlot crew was in Sidney Jon would make sure they got their fuel at Cenex so he could stop and say hi and give me grief if I was working. Jon was always up for a good time, which we had many – our New Years Day turkey hunt and laughing at Ramsey when he decided fetching our birds wasn’t such a good idea, our occasional (mostly failed, ha ha) attempts at spotlighting for coyotes, playing Uno with Donny, shooting at Boschee’s, our Bucking Horse Sale shenanigans with Sheldon a few years ago…we always had fun. Even if we hadn’t chatted for a while, it was like no time had passed when we’d catch up. He was someone I knew I could count on if need be. I will miss that big boisterous laugh, goofy smile and the nonstop grief he’d give me. I’ll probably still try to remind him to put in for his elk permits in the spring like I have the last umpteen years… You will be in my prayers and I hope the many wonderful memories will give you comfort in the days ahead.
Diane Welbes says
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Georgia Mentikov says
Sayinlg IRS comfort you!prayers for all of Jon’sfamily may your memories Georgia Mentikov family
Georgia Mentikov says
Saying prayers to comfort all of Jon’s family! May your memories give you comfort!
Don Herzog says
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Hofer family. Donnie and Patty Herzog
Cory Howard says
My deepest condolences to the Hofer family. I cherish my memories of Jon and all the good times we shared growing up. He was the most loyal friend you could ask for. I cannot find the words to express my sympathy and heartbreak over the loss, but I hope you find peace in knowing how loved Jon was by all who knew him.
Raylynn Sleight says
Sending my deepest sympathy and hope for peace in your time of grief. Jon will always be remembered and being funny and kind.
Cindy Anderson says
Hofer family, I am so very sorry for your loss. So many people are grieving with you right now because Jon was a true friend to everyone he came in contact with. I was fortunate to have Jonny Ho and Matt as part of my group of “older brothers” through my teenage/young adult years. There are too many good memories from above the ol’ Red Rock to recount, but I will always be grateful for Jon’s unconditional friendship and smile that could brighten any day. Continued thoughts and prayers for all of you as you navigate these difficult times. ❤️
Cindy (Hart) Anderson
Tammy Pecha says
So sorry for your loss.You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Karson and Marie Farnum Kluver says
Hofer Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Earl and Cheri Alt says
Dear Bonnie, Barney, Matt, and Rob,
We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your son and brother, Jon. You have our deepest sympathy. Words seem so inadequate at this time, but please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. God’s peace!
Rainie Mullanix says
Hofer family,
My heart is heavy today for all of you 🙁
Loved watching the boys grow up and becoming great men!!
My memories of Jon and Matt across the street was always fun filled and many laughs by all!
Gone but NEVER forgotten ❤️
Amy Tooke says
Hofer family
We are so very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you during this difficult time.
John and Amy Tooke and family
Jenny Lindvold says
Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
Jenny & Royce Lindvold family
Ralph and Emily Brownfield says
Sorry for your loss of Jon. Remembered Jon when he worked for Jerry and Gloria Rosencaranz, he was a nice young man.
Paul Wilkinson says
John was always a great friend and an awesome personality. He was always ready to swap hunting stories and was always interested in the people around him. He did truly care for others and would do anything for anyone. He had a smirk of a smile that was contagious and was just a fun guy to be with….we will always miss him but also always remember him…. Paul & Chelsea Wilkinson
Doug Nesbit says
I always enjoyed getting Jon’s hunting advice for his beloved Montana country. We talked about different gun makes, models, and calibers and would have loved to have time together with him and Dad. I am truly saddened by this cruel loss of this wonderful man and will miss what he gave to so many. He made this world a better place and we will all have that empty space that his joyful essence filled. Bonnie and Barney, you made a great kid and we all miss him. …Love Forever Doug Nesbit
Tom and Barb says
We are so sorry for your loss of Jon. Prayers for all of your family.
Dixie says
Barney, Bonnie, Matt and Robert, my heart breaks for all of you. I have so many fond memories of Jon growing up. Such a kind and gentle sole. God bless you all.
Ben O'Brien says
To Matt and all of John’s family & friends, deepest condolences. Jon truly will be missed.
Rick and Dee Abbott says
Barney, Bonnie and sons: Please accept our sincerest condolences for the loss of Jon. Hold tight to your cherished memories!
Sandi Bruce says
Bonnie and family I’m so sorry for your loss!you are in my prayers.
Jennifer Bitts says
My mom, Jerriann Hanel, and I send our sincerest condolences. Our thought and prayers are with you and we hope that you find comfort in your memories of Jon.
Loren says
Sorry Bonnie and family. I just heard about this from Burgess Miles. The meat grinder of life can issue some serious challenges, I pray that you will find solace and some comfort in the many blessings that you were able to share with your son.