Eileen Hoffart Obituary

Eileen Marie (Tuscherer) Hoffart of Redfield, South Dakota, age 87, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Eileen was born on December 6, 1937, the second of five children born to Remy and Josephine (Binfet) Tuscherer.
Eileen grew up in Onaka, South Dakota. Her father was a farmer and her mother was a wonderful seamstress. Eileen attended 1st through 8th grade in Onaka. Her freshman year was in Hoven, South Dakota, and the remaining three years of high school were in Cresbard, South Dakota, where she was active in band, basketball, plays, and the debate club. She was also voted "most friendly and best personality." Throughout grade school, there was an organization called YCL which held track meets and gatherings between schools in Faulk County. For a few years, Eileen was the fastest runner in Faulk County. Growing up her family played a lot of cards. Her favorite being whist. They went to a lot of barn dances which was a highlight, dancing with their friends and parents.
After high school, Eileen attended Presentation College in Aberdeen, South Dakota, earning her teaching certificate. At one of the many dances in the Onaka area, she met the love of her life, Richard. They married on October 14, 1958. They were blessed with 4 children, Roxanne, Karla, Gene, and Penny. When they were first married, Eileen taught at the colony in Faulk County. She took Roxie and Karla with her to school every day. The school had a pot belly stove which used coal to keep the school warm. Eileen and her students would sometimes bring wieners and potatoes to bake on the stove. When the family moved to Redfield, Eileen was a house parent at the state school and then later held the position of librarian. When they purchased Dick's Bootery, Eileen worked alongside Richard in the store for many years.
Eileen loved to play cards, spend time with her family, especially the many memorable "Hoffart Family Reunions", go dancing, and work on puzzle books, especially sudoku. Eileen never met a stranger and was loved by everyone.
Those who will be forever grateful for sharing in her life include her daughters, Roxanne Bell (Ronnie), Karla Baus, Penny Swanson (Kenny) and her son, Gene Hoffart (Laurel); grandchildren: Tori, Monica, Chasity, Amber, Brandi, Aaron, Emily, Abby, Garret, Aidan, and Erica; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Eileen is also survived by her siblings, Sheri Whiteside (Bill) and Donnie Tuscherer.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, grandson Nathon Baus, parents Remy and Josephine, in-laws Rose and Gerald Ryman, and siblings Robert Tuscherer and Raymond Tuscherer.
In place of a prayer service, please join Eileen's family for an informal gathering at the home of Kenny and Penny Swanson, 524 E 6th Avenue in Redfield, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Sunday, July 6. Sandwiches, lemonade, and water will be served and the family hopes those attending will share with them a special story or memory of Eileen.
Her Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 7, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Redfield with Reverend John Short officiating. Inurnment will follow at St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery in Redfield. Lunch will then be served in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, Eileen kindly requested donations be made to St. Bernard Catholic Church (217 E 6th Ave., Redfield, SD, 57469), American Legion Auxiliary (c/o Sandra Durfee, PO Box 448, Redfield, SD, 57469), or Redfield Senior Center (728 Main Street, Redfield, SD, 57469).
The service will be live-streamed with a link on the funeral home's website below Eileen's obituary. Hyke Funeral Home of Redfield has been entrusted with arrangements. (www.hykefuneralhome.com)