Fairbury – Ernest Dale Hofmann, Jr, 95, of Fairbury, passed away at 10:53 pm, July 14, 2026, at Serenity Villas, Fairbury.

His funeral will be at 12:00 pm, Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury. Pastor Paul Weir will be officiating. Burial will be in Payne Township Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 9-12:00 pm also on Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Serenity Villa or SELCAS.

Ernie was born July 10, 1931, in Fairbury the son of Ernest and Esther Sutter Hofmann, Sr. He married Carolyn Spence on September 22, 1956, in Chenoa. She died May 19, 2014.

Surviving are his children, Gary (Patty) Hofmann of Fairbury, Greg (Teresa) Hofmann, of Clayton, NC, Gail (Keith) Schladenhauffen of Fairbury, Gina (Jon) McGlaun of Deby, KS, and Glen (Ashleigh) Hofmann of Colfax; 18 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; siblings Delores Headley, Ida Ziller, Janet Steidinger, Erna Lou Kelly, and Dallas Hofmann.

He was preceded in death by parents, brother, Wilbur Hofmann, son, Gene Hofmann, great-grandson Nolan Emory, and son-in-law, Paul Bittner

Ernie was a District Welder for Northern IL Gas Pipeline for 34 years. He also owned and operated Hofmann Welding.

He was a veteran of the United States Navy serving from 1950-1954.

He was a member of the Fairbury American Legion and the VFW.

Ernie was a hardworking man with a huge heart. His heart had a special place for his family and friends, whom he loved dearly.