He was born on a farm near Watauga, South Dakota, to Edna and Charles Hoffman on July 15, 1923. He graduated from McIntosh High School in 1941 and matriculated to Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, Nebraska. Interrupting his college education, he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Aviation Flight Program during World War II. He served aboard the USS Nehenta Bay (CVE 74) as assistant air officer and at the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Washington, D.C., where he worked in Officers Records.
After an honorary discharge, he farmed and ranched near Morristown, South Dakota, for 19 years. During that time, he married Margery Meintsma of Maple Lake, Minnesota, and was blessed with three children: Claudia, Charles, and Betty.
Bringing his flying experience in the Navy back to the farm, he had an airplane equipped with skis for winter flying to deliver groceries and mail to snowbound farmers and flew teachers to their schools and patients to the doctor. He was also vice-president of the South Dakota Hereford Association.
At age 43 he and his family moved to Greeley, Colorado, to attend the University of Northern Colorado and received BA and MA degrees. He taught at Astoria High School for the next 16 years. In retirement, he donated his time and talents to help build the new Bethany Lutheran Church and he and Margery taught English in Hiroshima, Japan. He was also a captain in the Oregon Civil Air Patrol.
His family and friends always appreciated his wonderful sense of humor and the twinkle in his eye when he was joking. His grandchildren loved to hear him tell stories from his childhood, his time in the Navy, and on the farm. For years he faithfully read his Bible daily and was a strong man of faith.
He was preceded in death by daughters Claudia and Betty, and his brother, Charles. He is survived by his wife, son, and 4 grandchildren.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hed-fh.com for the Hoffman family.
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