C. David Hoefer

At 82, Charles David (Dave) Hoefer, Sr. passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025 surrounded by family at his residence in Auburn, IN. He was born February 2, 1943 in Aurora, IL to the late Charles W. Hoefer and Eleanor Hoefer Kraus.

Dave was involved in RVs and manufactured housing since the 1960s. His industry career began with manager roles at Coachmen, Carriage RV, and Friendship Homes, among others, becoming President of Friendship.

Starting in the 1980s, Dave helped create industry-changing companies. After assisting the startup of Gulf Stream Coach, Dave envisioned and co-founded Dutchmen RV, Four Winds (now Thor Motor Coach), Hart Housing (now Clayton Wakarusa), and Dutch Housing, among many other ventures into the 2000s. He was a former Director and RV Group President of Thor Industries.

Dave was known for ambitious visions and consumer improvements. His Dutchmen concept changed the RV industry’s standards and manufacturing practices.

Dave was a forerunner in commercializing recyclable, sustainable wood-free composite RV materials, and his later years in the RV industry were devoted extensively to research and development and new product concepts focused on innovation.

Dave ended his career with 10 more years in manufactured housing, as General Manager of Factory Expo Homes in Garrett, IN and then Clayton Homes Factory Direct of Garrett. Dave enjoyed a close relationship with Adventure Homes and his longtime friend Wally Comer.

In his last decades of life, Dave became a faith-filled Christian, passionate to share his testimony and introduce others to Jesus Christ. He often spent his time mentoring others and enjoying his family. His acts of kindness and generosity through the years are well remembered by many.

Dave is survived by his close-knit family: his wife Mary Hoefer (married 42 years) and their children Charles (Andrea Kine) Hoefer, Jon (Hannah) Hoefer, Kim (Daniel) Bangcong and their families; his first wife Judy Lovejoy and their children Wendy Hoefer, David B. (Sara) Hoefer and their families; his brother-in-law Hal Nagan; and by other dearly loved relatives.

In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his sister Susan Nagan.

In keeping with Dave’s wishes, a memorial service celebration will be held at Classic City Church in Auburn, IN (located at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 211 W 9th St) on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. A memorial gathering will be held one hour prior. All who wish to celebrate Dave’s life are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dave’s honor to Classic City Church at https://classiccitychurch.churchcenter.com/giving