Bernard “Bernie” Hoffrichter, the son of John and Mary (Atz) Hoffrichter, was born on April 13, 1937 in Spencer, Iowa. He received his early education in Spencer and was raised on a farm Northwest of Spencer. This is where he found his love of working with and riding his horses. Following graduation, he helped his mother farm. He spent most of his life as a farrier, working at the Wonder Whip in Fostoria. He also worked for the Clay County Fairgrounds in many different roles over 50 years and was an iron dealer for many years.

     On April 20, 1974, Bernard married Karen Siewertsen, who was from Mason City, IA, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spencer. Following their marriage, the couple lived on an acreage outside of Spencer for over 30 years where they raised their children. In 2016 they moved to Fostoria.   

     He passed away on Friday, September 23, 2022, at Longhouse Residence in Spencer, at the age of 85. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Johnny, MaryAnn, Threasa and Rita.

     Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Karen; his son, Benedict; his daughter, Benita (Adam) Nelson; his grandchildren: Cheyenne, Isabel and Elijah; his brother, Francis Hoffrichter; his good friend, Roger Daugherty; other relatives and many friends.