Harry Hoffman

Harry Hoffman was born February 13, 1925 in Leola, South Dakota.  He was the son of John K. and Christina Rath Hoffman.  Harry was baptized on April 9, 1925 at Hope Lutheran ALC, in McPherson County, South Dakota.  He was confirmed and took his first communion on June 25 1939 at St. James Lutheran Church in Leola, South Dakota.

Harry was united in marriage to Violet Hoffman on October 16, 1949 at St. James Lutheran Church in Leola, South Dakota.  They farmed and ranched in South Dakota until 1972.  Harry received the Northern Plains Hereford Association’s Champion Heifers Award in 1970.  He served on Township School and Governing Boards in McPherson County.  He also served as chairman of St. James’s Brotherhood.

Harry and Violet moved to Jefferson in 1972 and owned and operated the Coast to Coast store in Jefferson, retiring in 1991.  Harry was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson.  He served as an usher, Trustee, and Elder.  For over 35 years he was part of the Trinity Fellowship Society.

As an active member of the community, Harry belonged to the Jefferson Kiwanis Club where he achieved a 38-year perfect attendance award.  Twice he was recognized as Kiwanis Volunteer of the year.  In 2001 Harry was honored with the Kiwanis International George Hixon Award.

In other community activities, Harry served with Community Betterment, and he was a member of Trees Forever.  His hobbies included volunteering, landscaping, gardening, golf, playing cards with friends, cooking and helping in the kitchen. His favorite vacation spot was the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Harry will be remembered for his Christian service-minded ethics, and his ever-ready million dollar smile!

Harry Hoffman died February 19, 2015 at the age of 90 years.  Preceding him in death were his parents and two brothers, Arthur and Luther.

Services were held Feb. 23 at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Jefferson. Words of Comfort by Rev. Timothy A. Jones. Casket Bearers were Jim Giese, Denny Goshon, Jeff Brophy, Al Robson, Lynn Menz, and Al Jensen. Honorary Berers were Jefferson Kiwanis Club, Staff at Regency Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Trinity Lutheran Gospel Gladiators, Vern Foje, Patricia Scott, Tina Binkley, Rhonda Randleman, Amy Dirks, Bobbi Scheffler, Diane Kennedy, Nathan Kennedy, Dick Pound, Karen Pound, Lois  Rae Brant, Darla Johnson, and Ruth Goshon.

Survivors include his wife, Violet Hoffman of Jefferson, IA; two brothers: Leo Hoffman of Leola, SD and Clarence (Lynn) Hoffman of Denison, IA; one sister, Vera (Walter) Job of Sisseton, SD; Violet’s brother, Gerhard Hoffman of Eureka, SD; 36 nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Memorials are suggested to the local Trees Forever and Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson.