Steven Louis Hoff

STEVEN LOUIS HOFF Steven Louis Hoff, 76, of Pilot Grove, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, October 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born July 10, 1949, in Boonville, Steve was the son of Henry Louis and Helen Marie (Sloan) Hoff. On July 26, 1969, he married the love of his life, Elaine Samson, in Shackelford. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with faith, family, and hard work. A 1967 graduate of Mercy High School in Marshall, Steve continued his education at Missouri Southern State Universitywhere he proudly played footballbefore attending State Fair Community College and the University of Missouri-Columbia. Steve devoted more than three decades of his life to the Missouri Army National Guard, serving his state and country with distinction for 33 years. Serving 12 years with the Marshall MO unit, 16 years with the Lexington Unit, and 5 years with the Jefferson City Unit. Rising to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4, Steve embodied the values of integrity, discipline, and leadership. His military career took him on assignments to Panama and Alaska, where he worked in mechanics, food service, and established support for operating bases, and shared his knowledge as an instructor and mentor to younger soldiers. His leadership and steady presence earned the deep respect of those who served alongside him. Even after his retirement from active service, Steve's commitment to his fellow soldiers continued. He remained a proud and active member of the American Legion Post 0226, where he served as Post Commander, ensuring that veterans in his community were honored and supported. His sense of patriotism was quiet yet profoundhe carried it not only in his uniform, but in the way he lived his life: faithfully, humbly, and with purpose. In addition to his military career, Steve was a lifelong farmer. Alongside his brother Tom, he co-founded Hoff Brothers Farms, later joined by his sons, Brian and Gregg. Farming was his passion and his legacya reflection of his tireless work ethic and deep connection to the land. He was also active in the Missouri Pork Producers Association and worked as a DeKalb seed dealer, earning the respect of his peers in the agricultural community. Alongside his father, Henry, and brother Tom, Steve co-founded Hoff Brothers Farms, later joined by his sons, Brian and Gregg. Farming was more than a livelihood to Steve; it was his way of life. He was deeply dedicated to the land, his livestock, and the legacy he built with his family. A man of strong faith, Steve was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Council # 2261. He also served his community on the Cooper County C-4 School Board. His greatest joy, though, was his family. Whether at the family cabin on Truman Lake, out fishing, or gathered around the table, Steve's laughter, wisdom, and "Hoff'isms"his clever and memorable sayingsfilled every room. Those who knew him best will remember his honesty, wit, and the deep love he had for his family. He was a teacher of life's lessons, a source of strength, and often a "partner in crime" to his children and grandchildrenespecially when a little mischief led to a "don't tell Grandma" moment. His faith, integrity, and humor will live on through the many hearts he touched. Steve is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Elaine; four children, Christina Hoff-Vollrath (Bryan), Angela Rentel (Robbi), Brian Hoff (Justina), and Gregg Hoff (Cara), all of Pilot Grove; eleven grandchildren: Lauren Fosse (Nick), Layne Hoff, Keaton Vollrath (Rachel), Brady Rentel, Natalie Rentel, Tate Rentel, Ava Hoff, Halea Hoff, Britta Hoff, Cooper Hoff, and Penny Hoff; and five great-grandchildren: Maverick, Josie, and Ella Fosse, Brody Hoff, and Bryson Vollrath. He is also survived by his brothers, Ed Hoff (Connie) of St. Louis and Tom Hoff of Marshall; sisters, Barbara Hoff Churchill (Robert) and Mary Hoff Lammers of Columbia; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings, Michael Hoff, Patricia Hoff Shay, and John Hoff. Prayers of the Rosary will begin at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, October 16, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, followed by a visitation until 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 17, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Fr. Greg Oligschlaeger officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, with full military honors presented by the Missouri Army National Guard. Casket bearers will be his grandsons: Nick Fosse, Layne Hoff, Keaton Vollrath, Brady Rentel, Tate Rentel, and Cooper Hoff. Honorary pallbearers will be Bryan Vollrath, Robbi Rentel, Bob Woolery, Bobby Tavenner, Kenny Gerke, Matt Shay, Joe Wansing, Hank Edwards, and Shawn Roll. Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Joseph School Foundation. Arrangements are under the care of Meisenheimer-Page-Dady Funeral Home in Pilot Grove.