Fred William Hof of Black Hawk, SD went home to the Lord January 2, 2008 at Ft. Meade Extended Care. He was born August 6, 1924 in Madison, SD to Joseph Frederick and Esther (Matz) Hof. He was the oldest of ten children. Fred served our country with the U.S. Army in World War II in Germany from 1943-1946.Fred married Viola Wood on June 1, 1946 in Pipestone, MN. They lived in Madison, SD where he worked with the Milwaukee Railroad. They moved to Black Hawk, SD in 1963 where he was employed at Gunderson Nursery until 1969. He then went to work for Pete Lein and Sons. While employed with Pete Lein he was their “powder monkey” and worked maintenance until he retired in 1985.Fred’s greatest passion was music. In his younger years he played in a dance band called “Looney Tunes”. He composed string quartet and solo piece music. He played many instruments including violin, piano, and accordion. He gifted four generations with his love of music. He played the piano and accordion for several years for the Black Hawk Community Church services and he played piano for the children’s Sunday School services and programs. In addition to sharing his music, he attended a weekly Bible devotion and taught Vacation Bible School for the last five years. He loved the little children and always enjoyed the time he could spend with them.Fred enjoyed many activities including golfing, gardening, history, genealogy, ball games, painting, puzzles and woodworking. You could always find Fred busy with one of his favorite pastimes. He was loved by many and those who spent time with him always benefited from his wisdom, especially his family.Fred is survived by his son Charles and wife Jean, Black Hawk, SD, son Emmet and wife Patty, Clearfield, UT, daughter Esther Bender and husband Melvin, Rapid City, SD, and daughter Tamara Ader and husband David, Rapid City, SD, daughter in law, Ubon Hof, Clinton, UT. He is also survived by twenty grandchildren and thirty-three great-grandchildren, four brothers, one sister and numerous nieces and nephews.Fred was preceded in death by daughter Michelle, wife Viola, son Fred Delbert, three brothers, and one sister. He will be sincerely missed by every life he touched.