Ken Hoffman

Ken was born September 26, 1949, in Springfield, the son of Raymond William and Anna Matosich Hoffman. He married Shelley Jeanne Hamilton on June 7, 1969, in Springfield.

Ken's work was one of his biggest passions. He was the second of three generations of Hoffmans who owned and operated Wiley Office Furniture which is a long-standing Springfield business for the provision of contract furniture and interior design. He set a big priority on customer service. When training new sales staff his often-repeated advice was: 1) Never burn your bridges, and 2) Measure twice to avoid panel creep.

From his work he developed a strong appreciation for creative architecture and interior design. Whether traveling the world or driving the backroads through the US, he would search out interesting window and door designs, appealing roof designs and gable structures, and creative use of materials. On these travels he would purchase a small piece of artwork or a photo depicting the local architecture with doors and gates being his favorites.

Ken was committed to his family, friends, and community. Among numerous community efforts he was part of the founding committees for the Chatham Jaycee Sweet Corn Festival and Springfield First Night. He was actively involved in the United Way and co-chaired an annual fund drive with his wife Shelley. He served on the St. John’s Hospital Foundation board for several years and hosted a memorable garden party at their home for Toast of the Town. He was a past president of the Sangamo Club and past Commodore of Island Bay Yacht Club. He also loved to share kitchen duties at his church, St. Joseph the Worker in Chatham, for the annual pancake and sausage breakfast and mostaccioli dinner.

To all efforts personal and professional, he brought a strong sense of propriety, a meticulous presentation both in his dress and his architectural handwriting. He had an innate ability to bring consensus when needed and especially to discussions with Shelley about the particular shade of white to paint the walls of their home.

He loved to snow ski, scuba dive, and hike in the mountains and the desert. He never tired of puttering around Lake Springfield in his pontoon boat with his trusty Chihuahua by his side. He was passionate about cars, especially his 1958 MGA and 1974 1/2 MGB. He was always thrilled to receive a $5 award for "Best in Class" at the many car shows he attended and to arrive home safely from an MG road trip without a breakdown.

The single most defining and enduring passion for Ken was music both as a performer and a listener. In the Glenwood High School concert and jazz bands he played the tuba, the standup bass, and the electric guitar bass. He started his paid performing career as a bass guitarist in the Rubber Band playing at dances, bowling alleys, and the then popular hotspot, Pisani's Beer Garden. (Yes, he was underaged, but the 1960 "hipsters" loved the band, especially Pat Coburn of the State Journal Register.)

In 1967, he purchased a Hofner violin style bass guitar, forever immortalized by Paul McCartney of the Beatles fame for its melodic bass sound more suitable for early Beatles ballads. When he married Shelley, she was told no matter how poor they might be he would never sell the bass. So, she said "I Do" to the man, the Hofner bass, and her role as a groupie. Ken forever was a devoted Paul McCartney fan. He saw him in concert six times (alas not the Beatles), and could recall the playlist from each concert. The Rubber Band was followed by Strange Brew, Wrinkle, and the well-known Still Crazy. After a break from playing professionally, he started playing acoustic guitar with friends, and they were sometimes joined by the two best violinists in Springfield. They called themselves W8 4 It and performed in back yards, on back porches, and the family rooms of devoted fans.

No matter in what realm of life someone knew Ken, these are the qualities that all use to describe him.

He was a loyal friend, a good and kind man, and always gracious to all.

He was funny and enjoyed teasing, and always had a ready giggle.

He liked to dance, but was always a half beat off—blame it on being a bass player

He was a quintessential Pollyanna with a soft and open heart, believing in the best of everything and everyone.

And though the Ken of yore was lost to his dementia and Parkinson's, these qualities endured throughout his time spent with the wonderful caregivers at the Arbors Memory Care Assisted Living Facility.

He was one of a kind and will be missed by all who knew him, but our memories of Ken will forever bless our lives.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Ken is survived by his wife, Shelley Hoffman of Chatham; son, Zachary (Hana) Hoffman of Chatham; grandchildren, Nick and Alicia Hoffman, both of Chatham; brother, John (Susie) Hoffman of Springfield; sisters-in-law, Teresa (Mark) Pointer and Allison (Terry) Moore; and several nieces and nephews.

Private family ceremonies will be held.

Memorial contributions may be made to HSHS St. John’s Hospital Foundation, 800 E. Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62769; St. Joseph the Worker Church, 700 E. Spruce St., Chatham, IL 62629; or a charity of the donor’s choice.

If you would like to send a note to the family, please send it to: Wiley Office Furniture, c/o The Hoffman Family, 301 E. Laurel St., Springfield, IL 62703.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home—Chatham, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham.