David Lee Hof, 84,of Mendota, passed away July 8, 2021 in his home.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, Mendota with Rev. Mary Bohall officiating. Burial will be at Restland Memorial Gardens, Mendota with military honors by Mendota VFW Post 4079. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until time of services in the church. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is handling arrangements.

David was born January 19, 1937 in the Harris Hospital, Mendota, the son of Arthur and Alvina (Arndt) Hof.

David attended Lincoln Grade School and graduated Mendota High School in 1955. After graduation he and his cousin Gail Sibigtroth joined the United States Army. They had hoped to serve together but soon found that was not to be. During his term of service he was stationed in Iceland. In January of 1958 he was married to Earlene Klinefelter. Two sons were born to the couple, David Arthur Hof and Timothy George Hof. David was employed at the A & P Egg Handling Station, Classon's Super Market and Hof's Sanitation. Dave and his wife next opened a neighborhood grocery store Dalene's in the building now known as Ancare Veterinary in Mendota. They were approached by board members from Woodhaven Lakes Campground to open and manage a grocery store at the campground. This grew to include Dave managing a restaurant and bait shop as well. On his retirement he took over the care of the parking lot of what is known as Sullivan's Grocery Store. Dave enjoyed fishing at Lake Mendota and trout fishing in southern Illinois. After an early morning spent fishing he would often be one of the early golfers at Mendota Golf Course. He and his wife divorced in 2008. He then renewed his friendship with a former neighborhood acquaintance, Jane Rabel. They enjoyed golfing together, traveling to visit his fishing friends and spending time with his Tennessee family. Dave was an active member of the American Legion and the Mendota Elks Club for many of his younger years. He was a lifelong active member of the First United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his two sons David (Deb Hagemann) Hof and Timothy (Carole Mabry) Hof; grandchildren Jerad (Tori Pennebaker) Hof and Rachel Hof and great granddaughter Adeline Bree Hof.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother George Hof in 1998.

Memorials may be directed to First United Methodist Church or Mendota Area Christian Food Pantry.