Roll Call Tribute

Dorance Otto Hofland 

August 16, 1930 - January 24, 2024 

With profound sadness we share the news of Dorance Otto Hofland's passing at the age of 93 on January 24, 2024.

Otto was born in Stanley, North Dakota, August 16, 1930. His parents were Nels and Sadie Hovda Hofland. Otto had an older brother Donald and younger brother Larry. He was preceded in death by this father Nels 1934, brother Don 1979 and mother Sadie 1991.

The family moved to Texas in 1941. In 1947 he graduated from McAllen High School. He loved working at Glacier Park, Montana for several summers. He became a Texas Aggie in 1949. In 1952 the Army called. He was sent to Germany for 15 months as part of the occupational force. A&M had to wait.

After the military, which he loved, he came home to finish college at Pan Am in 1955. He met Shirley Miller and their future began. "He was tall, dark and handsome." she says. " I knew he was the one."

In 1960, Otto was commissioned First Lieutenant Infantry in the Reserves, of which he was very proud.

As a super salesman, he made friends everywhere. Seeing what people needed, he set a goal to provide homes for everyone and began building subdivisions.

He was very active in Pharr and McAllen. He was a past Commander of the American Legion Post 101 in Pharr, member of VFW, Texas A&M 12th Man Foundation, Kiwanis Club, Methodist Church, American Cancer Society and many other organizations. He was also an announcer at the PSJA football games (early 60's), and past president of the PSJA Quarterback Club. He talked A&M and football to anyone who listened. He loved to tell stories about his life. All he needed was an audience.

"I loved him then, I love him now," says his wife of 68 years, Shirley. Otto is also survived by daughter Shawn (James) Palmquist of Port Isabel, grandson Paul (Bria) Hofland and great-granddaughter Landry Hofland of Dallas, granddaughter Courtney Hofland of Dallas; son Scott (Amy) Hofland, grandsons Baker and Edward Hofland of Dallas; daughter Holly Hofland of Alamo; brother Larry (Marsha) Hofland of Kerrville. He will be missed by nieces, nephews and many friends who will remember him fondly.

A 21-Gun Salute at the RGV State Veterans Cemetery in Mission, Texas, is planned for him March 11, 2024 at 10a.m.