Hofer, Frederick

1933 - 2020

Fred Hofer, of Upper

Arlington, died suddenly Oct. 20, 2020, two days before his 87th birthday. Born in Geneva,

NY, in 1933, he graduated from Phelps High School.

He enlisted in the US Army and studied Russian to become a cryptographer, serving in Germany during the Korean War. He later graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in Accounting. From Denver he moved to Columbus to work as a computer programmer for Blue Cross (later Central Benefits). In 1970, he married Carol

Gallwits Kelsey. Fred is predeceased by his parents

Alvin and Louise Wiederhold Hofer. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Ginny Fisher (Dan) and Emily Van Niman (Christopher); grandchildren, Nathan and Susan

Fisher, Colin and Claire Van

Niman; brothers, Robert (Lucy) of Plattsburgh, NY;

John (Laura) of Eugene, OR; sister-in-law, Lois Neely of

Pittsburgh; nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Fred was a long-time member of

Worthington Presbyterian

Church, serving as a choir member and deacon. He belonged to the American

Philatelic Association,

Worthington Stamp Club, and ACBL. He will be remembered for his love of family, “punny” humor, keen interest in geography, solving word and number puzzles, and playing bridge.

Due to the pandemic, there will be a private memorial service Friday, Nov. 6, 2020 at 11am. A video recording will be available to the public Saturday, Nov. 7 at www. worthingtonpresbyterian. com/funerals.html. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to

Worthington Presbyterian

Church, NNEMAP (hunger ministry), WOSU, or The

Columbus Symphony.