Ernest Hofer, 90, passed away suddenly and peacefully at home in New Glarus Tuesday night, February 8, 2011. Ernie was born November 6, 1920, in a cheese factory in the Town of York, Green County, and grew up in the Mt. Vernon-Mt. Horeb-New Glarus area. His parents were Fred, Sr. and Emma (Eggimann) Hofer, both immigrants from Switzerland. Ernie married Margaret Aebly on August 4, 1951. He worked for Madison Kipp before World War II, and then enlisted in the U.S. Marines and served his country for three years in the South Pacific during the war. He could recall vividly the events of the war and anecdotes about the men he served with. After he returned from the war, he worked for Eggimann Motors. He later farmed near New Glarus, was a mechanic and salesman for the New Glarus Hardware Ford dealership, and also sold real estate. Ernie served on the New Glarus Village Board and the Green County Selective Service (Draft) Board. He was a member of the Stuessy-Kuenzi Legion Post in New Glarus. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Margaret; three daughters, Marsha (Ken) Behnke of Verona, Cheryl (Fred) Raith of Madison, and Diane (Bill) Campbell of New Glarus; and five grandchildren, Jessica Callaway of Santa Fe, NM, Jason Campbell of New Glarus, Lauren Behnke of Columbus, OH, Kevin Campbell of New Glarus and Briana Campbell of New Glarus. He is also survived by nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Fred (Alice) Hofer and a sister Ida (Walter) Stiner. Ernie was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was witty and entertaining right up to the end of his life. He almost always had a story, a joke, an opinion or advice about most any subject ranging from life in general to local politics to world affairs. He followed the stock market right up to the hour before his death. Until recent years, Ernie loved to attend auctions in the area and buy interesting collectibles that he often refurbished and sold. He had the ability to figure out how to fix almost anything, and didn't like to buy a new item unless he absolutely needed to. He will be remembered for his many sayings, including, "I've got news for you" and "It's not my fight anymore" (although it really was). Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 13, 2011, at the Zentner-Beal Funeral Home, 29 6th. Ave., New Glarus, WI. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Sara Thiessen officiating. A memorial fund has been established.