Jerry M. Hoffer

Dr. Jerry M. Hoffer, 73, passed away Friday, August 10, 2007 from end stage Alzheimer’s disease. He was born in Marshalltown, Iowa August 10, 1934 and attended the University of Iowa and Washington State University where he received his PhD. He was an Emeritus Professor of geology at UTEP, where he taught for 36 years. He specialized in Volcanology and Geothermal research. He was dedicated to his science and his students. Dr. Hoffer said, “El Paso is a geologist’s dream.” He was involved in researching many volcanoes around the world, including Surtsey, in Iceland; El Chichon, in Mexico; Kilauea, in Hawaii; Mt. St. Helens, in Washington and numerous others. He was selected by NASA in the 70’s to help develop a lunar drill. He accompanied the Apollo 17 astronauts on a training mission to the lava fields of New Mexico, west of El Paso, where he familiarized the astronauts with the unique, volcanic features of that area. Jerry Hoffer served 17 years as Assistant Chair of Geological Sciences. He was the department’s Graduate Advisor and he was instrumental in developing the PhD program in Geology, UTEP's 1st Ph D program. Founding member of El Paso Geological Society, he served as Treasurer for many years. He was an editor of at least 4 guidebooks on local geology, and author of numerous scientific articles. His knowledge and character will be sorely missed. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Margaret Hoffer; his sister, Suzanne; and his brother, Tom. He is survived by Robin, his wife of 36 years; his sons: Ronnie of Port Charlotte, Florida; Craig of El Paso; daughters: Kelly of Las Cruces, and Kim of Waldorf, Maryland; his Grandchildren Alisha, Ashley, Justin, Ryan, Christina, Eric, Louis; and extended family. A Memorial Service will be held at Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass at 3 pm, August 17, 2007. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Department of Geosciences, GLOBE Program at UTEP. (Wear Hawaiian attire, if you have it, in remembrance of his favorite volcanic islands, no black please) Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes - Northeast.