Harvey LeRoy Cofer

Harvey LeRoy Cofer, born February 4, 1937, in Heyburn, Idaho, the first of four children born to Jake and Mollie Cofer.  He was raised in the Mini-Cassia area and in his junior year of high school was proud to have been confirmed with his mother and welcomed into the Trinity Lutheran Church in Rupert.  Harvey was a member of the last graduating class of Heyburn High School in 1955 where he excelled in track and basketball.

In June of 1955, Harvey was married to Lavonne Brower.  His only departure from the Mini-Cassia area came in 1956 when he enlisted in the United States Army.  He spent six months in basic training before being sent to Germany for the next year and a half.  Harvey was discharged in September of 1958 and returned home where he was proud to say he was a true Idahoan thereafter.  His marriage to Lavonne Brower ended in 1958 shortly after returning home from service.

In January of 1961, Harvey was married to Patti Jo Harris of Burley.  To this union two children were born. Mark Casey Cofer and Carmen Lisa Cofer.  Harvey and Patti were married until January of 1966.

On August 8th, 1969, Harvey married Cheryl Howard of Boise.  To this union, 3 great sons were born.  Mathew Jake Cofer, Andre Scott Cofer, and Brian Burton Cofer.  This made one great family: his, hers, and ours!  Oh, what a group!

Harvey was proud to have had the privilege to work for three prominent farms in Minidoka County during his career.  First was Fowler and Lockett Farms for 13 years followed by Blincoe Farms for the next seven years. Finally, Harvey spent the next 28 ½ years working for his cousin Leonard with Martin Farms and Livestock.  He had an eye for cattle and became one of the most respected cattlemen in the Magic Valley.  On August 31, 2008, he decided it was time to take it a little easier but the old farmer and rancher in him refused to use the word retire because that was a bad word! 

Harvey is preceded in death by his mother and father, his brother Robert (Bob), his wife Cheryl and grandson, Joshua who was very special to his grandpa. He is survived by his sister, Lucille Mayne of Heyburn, his brother Bruce Cofer (Sharon) of Boise, his sons Mark Cofer (Tina) of Paul, Matt Cofer of Rupert, Andy Cofer (Melanie) of Rupert, Brian Cofer (Bobbi) of Eagle, his daughter Lisa Higgins of Heyburn and Cheryl’s four children Tony Howard of Rupert, Colleen Howard of Rupert, Cherri Lemon of Italy, and Christi Bennett of Boise along with countless grandchildren and great grandchildren.     

Harvey was a proud and independent man, living on his own for the past twenty years.  He was a regular at King’s Diner every morning and it didn’t matter where in the valley you were, if you drove around long enough, you’d probably run into him on the road.  Harvey’s true legacy is his name and his family which will live on for generations to come!    

The Cofer family would like to thank Steve Schaal and Brian Schuch for their friendship and support of Dad over the years and a special thank you to Dr. Jeff Swensen for his care and support and compassion shown to Dad.  The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 30, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rupert.  A viewing will be held for one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will take place at the Paul Cemetery following the funeral service.  Arrangements are under the direction of Joel Heward Hansen Mortuary.   

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in Rupert or Camp Perkins.   

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