Sioux Falls Community Mourns Beloved Wife and Mother Kim Kotraba Hofer’s Passing
SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA — The Sioux Falls community is heartbroken following the passing of Kim Kotraba Hofer, a beloved wife, mother, and friend whose unwavering kindness and radiant spirit touched countless lives. Kim passed away peacefully after a brave and dignified battle with a rare form of lung cancer, surrounded by her family, who were her greatest source of strength and joy.
Her passing marks the end of a courageous journey — one defined by resilience, deep faith, and an unshakable commitment to those she loved.
Remembering a Life of Love and Purpose
Born and raised in South Dakota, Kim Kotraba Hofer, 52, was known throughout Sioux Falls as a woman of remarkable grace and generosity. She was the daughter of Richard and Linda Kotraba, both lifelong residents of the state, and grew up in a close-knit family that valued compassion and service to others.
Kim graduated from Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls before attending South Dakota State University, where she earned a degree in education. Her natural empathy and patience drew her to a career in teaching, where she inspired hundreds of students over more than two decades.
For years, she taught at Harrisburg Middle School, where colleagues recall her as a guiding light — someone who believed deeply in every child’s potential. “Kim had a way of making every student feel seen and valued,” said fellow teacher Angela Meyer. “Her classroom was a place of learning, laughter, and love.”
A Devoted Wife and Mother
Beyond her career, Kim’s greatest devotion was to her family. She is survived by her husband, Michael Hofer, and their two children, Ethan (17) and Madison (14). To them, she was not only a mother but a source of strength and unconditional love.
Michael describes Kim as “the heart of our family,” someone who found joy in the small things — family dinners, game nights, and long walks with their dog, Daisy. “Even when things were hard, she smiled,” he said. “She never let cancer define her. She lived every moment for us.”
A Courageous Battle with Rare Lung Cancer
Kim’s diagnosis came two years ago, when she began experiencing persistent symptoms that led to a life-changing discovery — she had a rare form of non-smoking-related lung cancer. Despite the gravity of her diagnosis, Kim approached her illness with the same optimism and grace that defined her life.
She underwent multiple rounds of treatment, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy, at Sanford Health Cancer Center in Sioux Falls. Her doctors and nurses admired her positivity and the way she comforted others even during her own struggle.
“Kim was remarkable,” said Dr. Rachel Nguyen, her oncologist. “She always asked about other patients. She cared deeply, even while fighting one of the toughest battles imaginable.”
Community Mourning and Tributes
News of Kim’s passing spread quickly through Sioux Falls, where she was cherished by students, coworkers, and neighbors alike. The Harrisburg School District released a statement expressing condolences to her family, calling Kim “a model of compassion, commitment, and care.”
At St. John’s Lutheran Church, where Kim and her family worshiped, parishioners have gathered nightly for prayer and remembrance. Candles have been lit in her memory, and messages of love and condolence continue to pour in.
Neighbor and close friend Lisa Patterson described Kim as “the person everyone turned to.” She added, “Even when she was sick, she was asking how everyone else was doing. That’s who Kim was — always giving.”
Legacy of Kindness and Faith
Kim’s legacy will live on not only through her family but also through the lives she touched as an educator, mentor, and friend. Her students remember her for her patient encouragement, her laughter, and her belief that kindness mattered most of all.
To honor her memory, the Hofer family has established the Kim Kotraba Hofer Memorial Scholarship, which will support graduating seniors pursuing education degrees — a fitting tribute to a woman who dedicated her life to teaching and nurturing others.
Final Farewell
A celebration of life service for Kim will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 11 a.m., followed by a community luncheon. Family and friends are invited to share memories and celebrate the beautiful life she led.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the American Lung Association or the Harrisburg School Foundation, in honor of Kim’s enduring spirit of generosity.
Though her physical presence may be gone, Kim Kotraba Hofer’s light continues to shine — in the laughter of her children, the lessons she taught, and the love she left behind in every heart she touched.
Her story is one of courage, compassion, and faith — a life lived beautifully, and a legacy that will never fade.