Gary Lee Hoffer

      Gary Lee Hoffer, age 75, of Ashley, MI, passed away peacefully October 17, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
      Funeral Services will be held at Ithaca Living Hope Church, 327 East Center Street, Ithaca, MI, 48847, at 11:00 A.M., on Monday, October 21, 2024, with Pastor Keith Lenard and Pastor Dean Willard officiating. Burial will take place at North Star Cemetery, North Star, MI. Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI, on Sunday, October 20, 2024, from 2-8 P.M. with the family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.
     Gary was born in Alma, Michigan on May 20, 1949 the son of Kenneth Raymond and Esther Loretta (Evans) Hoffer. He graduated from Ithaca High School with the class of 1968. Gary went on to MCC to study diesel mechanics. Gary proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Purple Heart, and Bronze Star for his service. He was a member of the Alma VFW Post #1454 and the Ithaca American Legion Post #334. He has served as the Ithaca Post Commander for over 10 years.
     On October 22, 1994, Gary married Donna Eckley bringing to full circle a friendship that had started 20 years prior. Donna passed away May 19, 2018. Gary grew up helping his dad on their dairy farm. He worked as a diesel mechanic for Ford, Bee's Chevrolet in St. Johns, McCrackin Ford in DeWitt, and Rick's Ford in Hemlock.
     He eventually worked out of his barn at home. Gary enjoyed hunting, riding motorcycle, and spending time in nature. He was passionate about his horses and spent many therapeutic hours caring and training them. He recently donated them to serve as therapy horses for veterans through Project Solomon at Hopewell Ranch in Weidman, MI. Gary was thrilled that his horses would continue to help others find peace.
      He is survived by his siblings: Brenda (Denis) Netzley, Craig (Sue Gavenda) Hoffer, and Connie Thrush; nieces and nephews: Amanda (Rod) Heikkila, Betsy (Andrew) Fidler, Craig Hoffer, Luke (Nikki) Thrush, Jake (Annie) Thrush, Seana (Tony) Brown, Travis (Samantha) Netzley; step-daughters: Marlene (Bruce) Szarka, and Nancy (David) Binkowski; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and significant other Kathy Maier.
     Memorials may be made to the Ithaca American Legion Post #334, Alma VFW Post #1454, or Living Hope Church. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.