Anthony “Tony” John Hofacker, age 78, of the Town of Center, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, May 7, 2026. He was born on July 14, 1947, to the late Bill and Ruth (Heenan) Hofacker. Tony was the youngest of 12 children.
Tony graduated from Freedom High School in 1965. After high school, he joined the National Guard and traveled by train to Fort Lewis, Washington, for basic training. During that train ride, he met his good friend, Keith Coonen of Iowa. Their friendship lasted a lifetime, and they continued their tradition of calling each other every Christmas. After completing his training in Washington, Tony returned to Wisconsin, where he fulfilled the remainder of his military service. He was very proud to serve his country.
In December of 1970, Tony married Rosanne Stephani. Together, they raised five children on their family dairy farm. After farming, Tony worked for Scenic Valley Co-op delivering fertilizer to area farmers. He had a special gift for talking with fellow farmers.
Tony was a lifelong member of St. Edward Catholic Church in Mackville, Wisconsin. His faith was present in everything he did. Throughout his life, Tony enjoyed working on the family farm, visiting with family and friends, listening to Packer and Brewers games on the radio, staying current with the news, and attending church. He always had a positive outlook on life and was determined not to let obstacles stand in his way. His outgoing personality brought joy to family, friends, and even complete strangers.
Tony was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, lovingly known as “the great one.” He is survived by his daughter, Jodie (Mike) Schmitt and their children, Sydney, Sadie, and Sophia; his son, Jason (Cindy) Hofacker and their daughter, Nicole, and her son, Jax; and his sons, Jeremy Hofacker, Chad Hofacker, and Anthony Hofacker II.
He is further survived by his sisters-in-law, Cheryl Hofacker and Gerry Hofacker; and on Rosanne’s side of the family, Cathy (Rich) Green, Ann (Rick) Weynberg, Janice Stephani, and Sally Stephani. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by Rosanne Hofacker; his parents, Bill and Ruth Hofacker; and his brothers and sisters: Francis Hofacker and Linda DeBruin; John “Red” (Delores) Hofacker; William (Vera) Hofacker Jr.; Joe (Marilyn Nielsen) Hofacker; Mary (Ed) Hawley; Ann Hofacker; Catherine (Howard) Belonger; Henry Hofacker; Nicholas Hofacker; Margaret (Bob) Parker; and Paul Hofacker. In addition, he was preceded in death by his nephews, Bud Hofacker, Dan Hofacker, and David Hofacker; his niece, Kristine Hofacker; and his great-nieces, Hope Hofacker and Kennedy Van Asten. On Rosanne’s side of the family, he was preceded in death by Mary Ellen Hofacker, Mike Stephani, Frank Stephani, and Jim Stephani.
After 66 years, Bill and Ruth’s entire family is reunited in heaven. “Baby Tony” made it home.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to our angel, Tonya Nuebert. Tony often said, “Jerry Berg knows how to raise kids.” We would also like to thank the Prairie Home Assisted Living staff, ThedaCare Hospice Team, ThedaCare Cancer Center doctors, Dr. Heiks, Father Raju, Deacon Jeff, and Sam the chaplain for their compassionate care and support. Thank you to the many nieces and nephews who always remembered Tony. Thank you also to Kenny Polzin for being a good friend. We truly appreciate our village.
Visitation for Tony will take place at St. Edward Catholic Church, Mackville on Monday, May 18, 2026 from 4:00 pm until the parish prayer service at 7:00 pm. The visitation will continue on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 from 10:00 am until the funeral mass at 12 noon with Fr. Raju Palleti and Deacon Jeff Hofacker officiating. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery along with military honors.
