Last updated on: January 31, 2025

Earl Jacob Hofert is commonly considered the grandfather of David Letterman, one of the most well-known American TV hosts and comedians. Although not as renowned as his grandson, Earl also had his share of importance in the construction and development of Letterman’s family background. Let’s see who Earl Jacob Hofert was, what his family background is, and their connection to the world of David Letterman.

Quick Facts About Earl Jacob Hofert

Full Name	Earl Jacob Hofert
Birthdate	N/A
Occupation	N/A
Husband/Wife	Lena M. Strietelmeier
Education	N/A
Age	N/A
Parents	Jacob Hofert (father), Margret E. Mong (mother)
Grandchildren	David Letterman, Gretchen Letterman, Janice Letterman
Children	Dorothy Mengering (David Letterman’s mother)
Net Worth	<$1 million

Early Life and Family Background

Earl Jacob Hofert was born in Illinois. His parents were Jacob Hofert and Margret E. Mong. His parents had German roots; his father’s family was from France. This part of his heritage shows a strong German influence in his life.

Earl’s mother, Margret, was born in Indiana. Her parents were Diedrich Wolfgang Moench and Margarethe Anna Popp, who also had German ancestry. This makes Earl Jacob Hofert’s family background rich in German roots.

Earl’s wife, Lena (sometimes called Helena J. or Marie) Strietelmeier, was from Indiana as well. She was the daughter of William Ernest Strietelmeier and Fredricke (Frederica) Sophie Hilgediek, who were German immigrants. German heritage was strong on both sides of Earl’s family.

Earl’s Life and Legacy

This is not much known about Earl Jacob Hofert’s life, but his legacy continues through the family, especially through the grandson David Letterman. Dorothy Mengering married Harry Mengering and gave birth to David Letterman. On his TV shows, Dorothy was often seen acting, making her a popular character known as “Dave’s Mom.”

It was from his family that Earl had greatly contributed to David’s life. David Letterman would always share family stories on his shows, making them a part of his public character. David has always given plenty of praise to his roots and family, but this connection to his grandfather and mother was special for him.

German Heritage in the Letterman Family

The Hofert family has a rich German background. David Letterman’s family tree is very strong in this area. In fact, David’s ancestry is a mix of many ethnic groups. There are traces of English, Scots-Irish, Irish, and, of course, German. The German heritage runs deep in both his maternal and paternal families. It has played a role in shaping the family’s values and traditions.

While David Letterman is best known for his career in comedy and television, his German heritage gives a sense of his family’s history and cultural roots. Earl Jacob Hofert’s background is part of what made David the person he is today.

READ ALSO: David Letterman Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More

David Letterman and His Connection to Earl Jacob Hofert

Earl Jacob Hofert was an unknown public figure, but still, he finds a connection in the life of David Letterman. David had his mother on his TV quite often, thereby giving the viewer a glimpse of his family. Through Dorothy, Earl’s memory was carried forth and shared to millions of followers.

From these early family influences, David Letterman’s sense of humor and love for his family can be traced. His relationship with his grandfather, even though not always in the public eye, was part of what shaped him into the famous comedian and talk show host that he became.

 

Source: celebs.infoseemedia.com