Dr. Wilford D Hoofer

Obituary: W.D. Hoofer, M.D.

KS_Newton -- W.D. Hoofer, M.D., 82, retired Hertzler Clinic thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon, died Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, at Asbury Park, Newton, with family by his side. He was born Jan. 16, 1930, at Tucson, Ariz., to Tom and Louise (Kottel) Hoofer. He was an All America football player and played baseball at Fort Hays State University and also played AAA baseball in the New York Yankee farm system. He also served as a Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy in Korea and Vietnam and was the chief medical officer on the U.S.S. Enterprise retrieving and examining the first five Mercury astronauts following their return to Earth. Upon his discharge from the Navy, he helped establish the open heart program at the Hertzler Clinic and Halstead Hospital, retiring in 1996. He enjoyed hunting, bowling and photography when he wasn't practicing medicine. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, and Ruth-Wilson American Legion Post 231, both of Halstead. On Aug. 6, 1950, he married Marvella June Remmert at Bushton. She died on July 7, 1973. He then married Sally Hildreth Dec. 22, 1973, at Halstead. She survives at home in Halstead. Other survivors include sons, John (Debbie) Hoofer, Wichita, and Steven (Joy) Hoofer, Halstead; daughters, Chris Anderson, Marshall, Mo., Stacy (Charles) Warren, Kansas City, Mo., and Kris (Brad) Bevan, Burrton; step-sons, Ron Hildreth, Houston, Texas, and Dan Hildreth, Seguine, Texas; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Marie Hutchinson; and a grandson, Daniel Chad Hildreth. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, 2012, at Kaufman Funeral Home, Halstead, with the family present from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012, at First United Methodist Church, Halstead, with the Rev. Jane Voelkel officiating. Interment will follow at Halstead Cemetery, Halstead. Memorials may be given to American Legion Post 231 or Hertzler Research Foundation, in care of Kaufman Funeral Home, Halstead.