In loving memory of

GERALD R. HOFBAUER
November 4, 1949 - December 29, 2012

Gerald R. "Jerry" Hofbauer, 63, of Marquette, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, December 29, 2012, at his home, with his family by his side and under the loving care of Lake Superior Hospice.

Jerry was born November 4, 1949, in Hancock, MI, a son of the late Roland and Marilyn (Auge) Hofbauer. He was raised in L'Anse, graduated from L'Anse High School in 1967 and was a member of the 1966 State Champion basketball team. He also received a Bachelor's Degree from Ferris State University.

Jerry enjoyed a career with the department of corrections from 1975 until his retirement in 2010 as warden of Marquette Branch Prison. He was the youngest warden in the state of Michigan. He was a member of The American Legion, Elks and Marquette Golf Club.

On November 1, 2003 he married Christine M. Genore in Marquette. Although, their time together was too short, it was filled with laughter and love. They enjoyed playing golf, friends and winters in south Florida.

Jerry was an avid University of Michigan football fan. His leisure activities included watching football games, golf and having a beer with his buddies.

He is survived by his wife, Chris of Marquette; children, Courtney Hofbauer of Lansing, Jeri (Chad) Anderson of Owasso, MI, Justin (Jamie) Hofbauer of Onondaga Township and Tyler (Becky) Hofbauer of New Hudson, MI and Tracy Vizanko (fiancé Joe Martin) of Union Pier, MI; grandchildren, Morgan, Malek, Kaleb, Kendall, Justin Jr, Breaunna and soon to be welcomed in May Austin Gerald; siblings, Thomas Hofbauer of Orlando, FL, Linda (Ian) Hofbauer of Sault Ste. Marie, MI and Kristine Hofbauer of Ionia, MI; former wife, Ann Ham of Portland, MI; Brother-in-law John Lerza of Venice, FL; several nieces and nephews and special canine companion, Tilly. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Robert and Dr. Charles Hofbauer.

We want to thank everyone for their love and support during this difficult journey; especially, Ward and Sharon Young, who were there every step of the way along with Dr. Arthur Saari who was always just a phone call away.


Our journey was comforted by the special people at Lake Superior Hospice. Especially the love from Lynn, Becky, Carol, Deb and David.

Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider Lake Superior Hospice 914 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette, MI 49855.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jerry's life on Saturday, January 5, 2012 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at the Third Base Bar in Marquette.

The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories may be shared at www.canalefuneral.com



Tributes

Tom Terrell wrote on Jun 25, 2013:

"Chris, I am so sorry for your loss. Gerry was a kind and caring man. I remain grateful for the compassion both of you showed me after Chuck's passing and will keep you in my thoughts. Tom"

Bruce Pesola wrote on Jan 11, 2013:

"My condolences to the entire Hofbauer family for your loss..I first met Jerry on a March evening in 1966. We didn't talk much that night. Later, I watched from the sidelines as he and his teammates accomplished their goal. I then lost touch for quite a few years but we got reintroduced at the MGCC when he and Chris got together. He always had a smile for everyone. I will miss him and his happiness. Bruce Pesola"

Kirk Douglas McVittie wrote on Jan 7, 2013:

"So very sorry to learn of Jerry's passing. Worked with Jerry at Jackson Prison from 1986 until 1992....great memories!"

Gerry Gerard wrote on Jan 6, 2013:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. It was a privilege to reconnect with him and Chris in Florida last year. Cancer is just so hard and the walk is never easy. Jerry will be missed by all. I still remember him as our point guard--he would always hit two or three shoots off the backboard every game so it had to be skill for sure. Great passer. great defense and leadership were his additions to our team--he made the difference. He also was never shy about tell us what he thought. But the bigger thing is the love he had for his family. Chris, we will continue to uphold you in prayer."

Rick&Kay Shipyor wrote on Jan 6, 2013:

"Our prayers are with jerry's family at this time. He was and is a grat friend. he will truly be missed by all who knew him."

Kathy DellAngelo wrote on Jan 6, 2013:

"Chris, You have my deepest sympathy at this time. I hope the memories of the special love you shared with Jerry bring you comfort each day."

Gerald & Paula Mason wrote on Jan 5, 2013:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hofbauer Family........... Gerry & Paula Mason Gulf Shores, Al."

W.J. King wrote on Jan 5, 2013:

"Glad to have known ya, it was a good time. Have good trip brother. W.J. King"

Peggy Sager wrote on Jan 5, 2013:

"You have my deepest sympathy"

George Pennell wrote on Jan 4, 2013:

"My condolences to Jerry's family. He was a unique guy who was always there for me. Jerry first helped me out when we were both Administrative Assistants working on ACA accreditation. Later he made me his Deputy at Marquette and his support helped me to be named Warden at Baraga. I owe Jerry a lot and am sorry he did not have more time to enjoy his retirement."

Betty Coduti wrote on Jan 4, 2013:

"Chris - We would like to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Altho your time together may have seemed too short I know your many happy memories will sustain you now and in difficult days to come. Take care old friend - Betty & Roy Coduti"

Rob and Jennifer Reinert wrote on Jan 3, 2013:

"Sincere sympathies to you Chris, and the whole Hofbauer family. Jerry will be thought of with laughter of days by gone, of the golf course and a few beers enjoyed with friends."

Kenny gearin wrote on Jan 3, 2013:

"Our condolences to Chris and Jerry's kids. Our thoughts are with you all. May the creator ease your hearts at this time. Take care of yourselves. Ken & Dee Gearin, Rockwood, Tennessee"

Nick Ludwick wrote on Jan 3, 2013:

": I'm writing on behalf of my friend Jerry Hofbauer to express my deepest sympathies to his immediate family and his work family from the Marquette Branch Prison. Jerry and I worked together as Corrections Officers on J-3 and J-4 at the Michigan Reformatory in 1975 and both retired as Wardens in 2010. How we managed to stay on the right side of the bars will forever be subject to interpretation but that's our story and we're sticking with it..... Jerry Hofbauer never minced his words or made you wonder what was on his mind. He enjoyed doing time and fighting crime with his coworkers and always expressed a genuine pride in his family, his friends and his beloved Meeeechigan Wolverines. I was honored and fortunate to be invited to attend his retirement from the MDOC after being shook down and granted my "Troll Pass" at the Mackinac Bridge. We were also fortunate to be able to talk about the effect Cancer has on our friends and our families prior to Jerry's passing. You fought the good fight and dealt with adversity straight on like you lived your life my friend. Sleep well Brother - Sleep well! Nick Ludwick"

Vickie Nomellini wrote on Jan 3, 2013:

"My condolences to the entire Hofbauer Family."

Bob and Kitty Fisher wrote on Jan 2, 2013:

"We send our heartfelt condolences to Chris and all of Jerry's family...take care."

Brian & Wendy Pesola wrote on Jan 1, 2013:

"All our thoughts and prayers are with Jerry's wife, Chris and all his family and friend, during this difficult time."

Zack & Laurie Adamczyk wrote on Jan 1, 2013:

"Jerry was a gentleman and a gentle man, he will be missed by many.Thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family and friends."

The Pantti's wrote on Jan 1, 2013:

"Jerry was such a nice man that our whole family enjoyed but most of all our son Nick thought the world of him! He was so friendly and welcoming when we moved to the neighborhood and Nick took a liking to him right away! Nick always looked forward to Jerry being outside and would go over and chat and have ice cream with him every chance he got! Chris our thoughts and prayers are with you and please don't hesitate to ask if you need anything at all. He will be GREATLY missed."

Melody Wallace wrote on Jan 1, 2013:

"Jerry was one of the first people I met in the Deparatment of Corrections. Until his retirement, hearing that "Jerry Hofbauer is on the line for you" brought not only great conversations about a plethora of subjects (and gripes!) but a lasting friendship. My condolences to all."

Terry and Rose McBride wrote on Dec 31, 2012:

"Jerry was a great and understanding person, even thought I only knew him through MDOC. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be missed!"