Francis "Fran" K. Hofmaier passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2013 at the age of 80 years.

Fran was born on March 28, 1933 in Crofton, Nebraska to Camillus and Clara (nee Leader) Hofmaier. He received a scholarship with the University of Nebraska as a left-handed pitcher and went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Fran served in the United States Navy. He married Shirley Mayer on May 20, 1961 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Nenno. Fran was a dedicated employee for over 35 years at the West Bend Company, retiring in 1993.

Fran had a passion for sports. He played baseball as a pitcher for Slinger, West Bend, and Lannon in the Rock River and Land O'Lakes leagues. He was the first recipient of the Rock River League Most Valuable Player award. He even had a try-out with the Chicago White Sox just after high school. Along with baseball, Fran also gained a true appreciation for golf in later years and belonged to several local golf leagues. He also enjoyed playing sheepshead and bridge with family and friends and belonged to several card clubs. He was also a man of faith and was an active member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Slinger.

Fran and Shirley enjoyed many good times at their cottage on Kusel Lake near Wild Rose. He had many fond memories of golf outings and relaxing times spent with family and friends there for over 19 years.

Fran is survived by his wife of 52 years, Shirley; children Mary (Michael) Boden of Allenton, James (Therese) of West Bend, Amy (Mark) Connelly of Racine; grandchildren Brett, Kaitlyn, and Nicholas Boden, and Anthony, Rachel, and Jenna Stevenson. He is further survived by his siblings Jerry (Alice) of Wild Rose, Marvel Broker of Hartford, Donna Stoffel of Cedarburg, Merle (Esther) of Allenton, Joanne (Ed) Machacek of Seymour, Charlene (Bob) Miotke of Lucile, ID; sisters-in-law Charlene Hofmaier of Hartford and Beverly Meeker of Las Vegas, NV; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Fran is preceded in death by his parents, brother Darrell, brothers-in-law Glen Broker, Ralph Stoffel, and Richard Meeker.

Visitation will be at the Phillip Funeral Home Chapel, 1420 W. Paradise Dr. in West Bend on Friday, December 6, 2013 from 4:00 PM until 5:45 PM with a prayer vigil beginning at 6:00 PM. Visitation will continue at St. Peter Catholic Church, 200 E. Washington St. in Slinger on Saturday, December 7, 2013 from 10:00 AM until 10:45 AM with the memorial mass beginning at 11:00 AM. Private interment of cremains will be at New St. Peter Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials are appreciated to the St. Peter's Endowment Fund, the West Bend Baseball Association (formerly Carl M. Kuss Memorial Baseball Field Fund), Cedar Lake Alzheimer's Unit, or the charity of the donor's choice.