Gordon Kent Hoffmeister

Born on December 18, 1938, in Clay City, Illinois, he was the only child of Helen and Sy Hoffmeister. At the age of four, Gordon moved with his parents to Buffalo, New York. He graduated from Seneca High School in 1957 and later earned an Associate of Arts degree from Manatee Junior College.

On August 7, 1960, he married the love of his life, Laura Lee Broel. Together they built a family, welcoming their son, Jay, in 1961 and their daughter, Kerry, in 1962.

Tired of the cold weather, the family relocated to Florida in 1964, where Gordon began his career with the City of Sarasota Police Department, serving until his retirement in 1986. He later continued his service with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office until his second retirement in 2005. In addition to his law enforcement career, he dedicated 35 years to teaching defensive tactics at the Police Academy.

Mr. Hoffmeister was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and enjoyed hunting, fishing, sports, and physical fitness.

He is survived by his wife, Laura Lee Hoffmeister; son, Jay Hoffmeister and his wife Barbara; daughter, Kerry Kenney; granddaughter, Lindsey Tennimon and her husband, Coty; grandson, Lyle Kenney and his wife, Jessica; great-granddaughters, Lauren Tennimon and Aubree Kenney and great-grandsons, Colton Kenney and Tre Tennimon.

Memorial services will be held at New Life Lutheran Church, 8010 Fruitville Road, Sarasota FL 34240 at 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to your favorite charity in memory of Gordy.