Traverse City, Michigan
OLD MISSION PENINSULA — Thomas L. "Tom" Hoffman, 86, of the Old Mission Peninsula died Friday, Aug. 21, 2009, at his home with family members by his side.
Tom was born Friday, Oct. 6, 1922, to the late William and Isma (Woodmansee) Hoffman in Grand Rapids. He lived his entire life on the family farm on the peninsula.
On Saturday, June 12, 1948, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lake Leelanau, Tom took the former Irene E. Gilland as his bride, and together they would spend 61 wonderful years together.
Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling and cheering for the Red Wings. He spent his life as a cherry farmer, which he so enjoyed. He was a former member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he attended for 80 years. His greatest joy and the love of his life were his family.
Tom is survived by his wife, Irene; by his children, Sara (Douglas) Parrott of Zeeland, Barbara (Roy) Carroll of Traverse City, Mary (Mike) Sletten of Colleyville, Texas, William (Monica) Hoffman of Traverse City, and Susan (John) Bawden of Northville; eight grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; his sister, Polly Garner of Traverse City; a son-in-law, Elmer Kolarik of Thompsonville; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his son, John, his daughter Patricia Kolarik and a granddaughter, Kim Kolarik
Visitation for friends and family will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. The rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m.
Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 24, also at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with Deacon Rene Hoenscheid officiating as well as leading the rosary Sunday evening.
Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery at Mapleton at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be directed to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or to a charity of one's own choosing.
Please share your memories of Tom with his family at his online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
Aunt Irene and Family. I am always thinking about you in these tough times. I am praying for all of you. But I think to myself Uncle Tom isn't sick anymore but that don't change anything. Well I love you all and I am thinking about and praying for all of you.
Tiffany I. Gilland
September 01, 2009 | Traverse City, MI
Aunt Irene,Sara,Barbara,Mary,Bill,and Susan: I am lost for words after learning of Uncle Tom's passing please know that he is in the company of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Patricia,John and Kimberly. I will always have fond memories of the trips to the farm with my parents or with Uncle Joe the camping trip to Canada fishing on the bay or Lake Leelanau smelt dipping in the Leland River the Tiger Game or just a visit. There is a scripture verse that fits Uncle Tom "Greater Love Hath No Man Than He...
David Gilland Sr
August 26, 2009 | Brunswick, GA
Aunt Irene and Family
Sorry about Uncle Tom, I just found out. You will be in our prayers
Janet & Charlie Schneider
August 25, 2009 | Interlochen, MI
Mrs. Hoffman and family,
Our daughter, Kristina, loved the pumpkins she received with her name carved in them from your pumpkin patch. Tracy, Barb and Roy's daughter, babysat for Kristina when she was a little girl and we became very attached to Tracy and your family. Please know that our thoughts are with all of you duriing this difficult time. May God Bless you.
Love, Dave, Lisa and Kristina Green
Dave, Lisa and Kristina Green
August 24, 2009 | Traverse City, MI
Mr. Hoffman would send cherries every year for Mary to share with her friends. It was so kind and generous of him, and it made me feel like a part of the farm and family. My prayers are with Mrs. Hoffman and her family.
Debra Spronz
August 24, 2009 | Grapevine, TX
Just learned of Tom's passing. Hugs and prayers to all of you as you mourn the passing of a very special man.
Phil Belanger Hanson
August 23, 2009
My children grew up going to "Farmer Hoffman's" for pumpkins at Halloween. Tom would always have a few in the back for the grandkids and always let my kids choose one from that "special pile". He and Irene will always hold a very special place in fond childhood memories for my children. I too have have special feelings for both Tom and Irene. Irene, you and your family are in my prayers. Jody, Christopher, and Katie
Jody Little
August 23, 2009 | Traverse City, MI
Gary and I just got back from the U.P. and are saddened by the news of Tom's passing. What a wonderful man he was and we are priveleged to have called him our friend. We will see you all tomorrow but just wanted you all to know that you are in our prayers tonight. Gary and Wendy
Wendy & Gary Warren
August 22, 2009 | Traverse City, MI
My parents considered Tom & Irene their best friends, and for good reason, they made a wonderful couple with integrety and caring of others. I have fond memories while growing up of visiting the Hoffmans and playing with their children. It was a busy and loving home. Tom and Irene were hard workers but always had smiles on their faces showing the joy in their hearts. Tom and Dad loved hunting together, telling their hunting stories and playing pinocle and eucre with Irene and Mom. Tom...
Leone Powell (Kroupa)
August 22, 2009 | Traverse City, MI
