Verlyn Hofer

Verlyn Hofer began his journalism career in the 1930s as a child working for his family’s newspaper, the Lennox Independent. He would carry on the family tradition but with a few notable journeys along the way. Soon after graduating high school, Hofer was drafted into service during World War II.

​

While sailing to France, he helped put out about a dozen issues of the ship’s newsletter. His military service in Europe resulted in his receiving both a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.

​

Hofer resumed working alongside his father at the Independent, becoming full owner in 1983. Hofer also operated the family printing business, Show Print, which specialized in carnival and fireworks poster printing.

​

Hofer served as president of SDNA from 1987-88 and was inducted into the South Dakota Newspaper Hall of Fame in 1994. He sold the Independent in 1992, but continues to write a column for the paper.

​

​