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Reverend Monsignor Robert B. Hoffman

Reverend Monsignor Robert B. Hoffman obituary, St. Charles, IL

Robert Hoffman Obituary

Reverend Monsignor Robert B. Hoffman Reverend Monsignor Robert B. Hoffman died Saturday, March 23, 2013, in his home after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Monsignor was born May 29, 1935, in Aurora, Illinois, to John and Sarah (McLaughlin) Hoffman. Monsignor attended high school at Marmion Military Academy, Aurora. He then attended Loyola University, Chicago and Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa. Monsignor attended seminary at the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium, and was ordained July 1, 1962. He was named a Prelate of Honor by His Holiness Pope John Paul II on June 24, 1998. Monsignor Hoffman's first assignment was as Parochial Vicar at St. Peter Parish, Spring Grove (August 1962 to August 1963). He then was assigned as Parochial Vicar at St. Catherine Parish, Dundee (August 1963 to August 1964); Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph Parish, Aurora and DRE at Madonna High School (August 1964 to June 1968); Faculty and DRE at Aurora Central Catholic High School (June 1968 to June 1970); co-Pastor and DRE at Sacred Heart Parish, Aurora (June 1969 to June 1970); Parochial Vicar at Christ the Teacher Parish, DeKalb (June 1970 to June 1971); Pastor of Christ the Teacher Parish, DeKalb and Director of Campus Ministry for the Diocese of Rockford (June 1971 to October 1982); Vicar for Clergy and Religious and Vocation Director for the Diocese of Rockford (October 1982 to July 1989); Pastor, St. John Neumann Parish, St. Charles (July 1989 to June 2007); and Dean of the Elgin Deanery (September 1994 to June 2007). Monsignor retired from active ministry in June 2007. He is survived by his cousins, Patricia Musich of Aurora, IL, Richard Quellette of Crestline, CA, Lenora Weber of Madison, WI, Donald Arimond of Rice Lake, WI, John McLaughlin of Marshall, MN, Bernard McLaughlin of Burnsville, MN, John Hoffman of Viola, WI, and many 2nd and 3rd cousins. Also his long time friend Tom Pauly, God daughter Linda Musich, and care giver Jon. Along with his brother Priests. He is predeceased by his parents, and many cousins. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at 11:00AM at St. John Neumann Church, 2900 E. Main Street, St. Charles, Illinois. The Most Reverend David J. Malloy, Bishop of Rockford, will be the main celebrant; Reverend David Beauvais will be the homilist. Visitation will be from 3:00-7:45PM Tuesday, March 26 with wake service at 7:45PM in the St. John Neumann Parish Chapel and from 10-11AM Wednesday, March 27. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Christ the Teacher Parish DeKalb, 512 Norman Road, DeKalb, IL 60115 or Hope for Haitians, P.O. Box 5647 Rockford, IL 60125. Arrangements are being made by Yurs Funeral Home, 405 E. Main St., St. Charles, Illinois. For more information please call Yurs Funeral Home of St. Charles, 630-584-0060 or visit www.yursfuneralhomes.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Herald from Mar. 25 to Mar. 26, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Hoffman

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David Boehler

March 19, 2025

I really got a lot from his service. He was always
great to talk with especially when I was going
through a very difficult time in my life with the
breakup of my Family, due to my wives part.

David Boehler

July 25, 2023

He was a great pastor, did Christ renews his parish in 2004.
Was Excellent

Mike and Sue Morrissey

April 14, 2013

We were so very proud to call him friend and pastor. It is a debt of gratitude that we owe. Rest in peace, gentle man.

April 1, 2013

We met Fr Bob after his first mass at Newman in 1970 which began a wonderful growth enhancing friendship of 43 years What a special unique man, Christian and humble servant leader for Christ. who positively impacted the lives of countless persons of all ages, We have lost an important member of our extended family, Rest in Peace Fr. Bob--our lives will not seem the same with you not a visible part of it
Don and Kathy Buckner DeKalb

Jeri DeCarlo Sessler

March 31, 2013

Fr. Bob - Rest well and in Peace. You helped convince me that the Way was right for me at Newman. Your gentle spirit and kind heart were most loved and appreciated by this soul.

Laura Meehan

March 28, 2013

Father Bob was such a kind and spiritual man. He helped me through some bad times after my mother's passing. Fr. Bob was the celebrant at our wedding in 1980 at the Newman Center. Rest in peace.
Laura Christiano Meehan

Randall Schindlbeck

March 27, 2013

A Disciple that walked this earth with a purpose. Thank you Father Bob for giving us your gift of strength , courage and acceptance at the time of our Mothers passing. We were blessed to have you as part of our family. Randy and Kelly Schindlbeck

sheila white

March 27, 2013

Fr Hoffman.... The first Priest who helped us think "out of the box". What a guy

Joe Speechley

March 27, 2013

Fr. Bob, Fr. Bill and Fr. Dan, the three amigos who packed 'em in at the Newman Center in the 70's. Always appreciative of the spirituality you awakened within me and countless others during a time of great change.

Mary (Daly) Glenn

March 27, 2013

Dearest Fr. Bob, I was so blessed to know you at the Newman Center in the mid 70's. Such a kind and loving soul with an infectious smile. You touched my heart and my life forever. You truly were a gift from God. Thank you

Stephan Japuntich

March 27, 2013

Father was truly a holy and humble man. Requiescat in pacem.

Randy Wakitsch+

March 27, 2013

When he arrived at St. John Neumann, Fr. Bob asked someone to build a tiny prayer closet in the basement of the rectory. He kept a simple chair there and a digital timer (set for an hour). I think of him today sitting in the presence of God, still making himself available to the One who sent him to serve.

MarySue Schriber

March 26, 2013

I remember many things about Bob Hoffman, but two of the many make me think of him every Sunday and every Holy Thursday without fail. At the point in the liturgy that leads into the consecration, and reciting the ritual prayer, Bob would raise his arms straight up and, with vigor and conviction, command us in no uncertain terms, "Lift up your hearts." Those words stuck with me all week. And one Holy Thursday he delivered yet another unforgettable homily. He recited one excuse after another that we claim for being unable to come to someone's aid. "I must cook for my family," one said; "I must wash my car," another said, etc. etc. And after each of the excuses, Bob said, "But Jesus said, 'Wash feet!' " That phrase became a litany by the time he finished. Every Holy Thursday Bob's homily echoes in my mind. Bob had an uncanny talent for pinpointing, Sunday after Sunday, the connection between Scripture and our lives. I am forever grateful that our paths crossed.

Ron Jordan

March 26, 2013

A true spiritual father, mentor and servant of God....Will always remember your reminder to be "forever grateful" to those who touch and impact our lives...You were certainly at the top of the list. You will be deeply missed.

Rosemarie Greenbusch

March 26, 2013

I had the good fortune to talk to Father Bob at Mass at OLGC and mentioned our Religious classes at Madonna. He laughed and said,"Oh, another life I ruined!" How fortunate we were!

Brian Buckner

March 26, 2013

Fr. Bob was the pastor at the Newman Center during my formative years (8-17 years old) and made a very strong impact on my life. His teachings will last with me for my lifetime and many I have passed onto my children. Thank you Fr. Bob!

March 26, 2013

Monsignor (Father Bob) Hoffman was my 1st cousin and I have many memories of being with him at my parents home and also at his parents home, and I spent many, many happy times with Bob. I particularly remember how he'd come to our house and pop down on the davenport and say to my Mom, "I just love it here, Aunt Mag, because there's a whole family here." The maine reason why he often said that, was because he was an only child. I know for sure that he is looking down upon all of us and he will always be in my memories and he was a wonderful priest, cousin, and special friend also.
Lenora A. Weber (Arimond)

Jon Guiney

March 26, 2013

This man was truly a gifted priest. My memories of him from my NIU days are some of my best. Rest in Eternal Peace, Father Bob.

Lori Berkes-Nelson

March 26, 2013

Father Bob Hoffman shaped my faith as a young Catholic during college at NIU. He was an amazing man who made you think every time he opened his mouth. He was full of the Holy Spirit and shared his deep faith with others in a way that inspired us to want to be better Christians, Catholics and Adults. I am a better person for having known him! Rest in Peace! You deserve it!

maryann mallette-feiden

March 26, 2013

I also remember Fr. Hoffman from my high school class at Madonna in the '60s. Always enjoyed my classes with Father! He will be missed.

Jim Kochalka

March 25, 2013

Fr Bob was a great influence on me at NIU. I recall fondly his wisdom, counsel, and care as I was maturing into adulthood. I remember him with tremendous gratitude and affection.

Linda Feiden-Stefanich

March 25, 2013

I am so grateful for Father Hoffman's help along my journey of faith at both Madonna and Sacred Heart. The people of the Rockford diocese have lost a great man, but at least we have an angel keeping watch over us. Rest In Peace.

March 25, 2013

Fr. Hoffman, I still remember from a religion class that you taught at Madonna, an article you passed out for us to read called "The Loneliness of a Long-Lasting Marriage". Just wanted you to know my husband and I have celebrated our 42d anniversary. So your teaching worked! Sending you love, Barb Bednard Farrell, Madonna class of '66.

Jean Spohn

March 25, 2013

Msgr. Hoffman was an excellent example of a dedicated priest. He was one who so many of us looked to for guidance. May he rest in Christ's love. Jean Spohn, Principal-St. Mary School

Barbara Draudt

March 25, 2013

May you Rest in Peace Father Bob! I remember him from Madonna (Class of '66)! Remember when he went with us for our Junior Class trip to Washington, DC, Annapolis, (he didn't think it was a good idea to let 74 16 yr old girls loose in Annapolis), just as he said that all the doors opened on campus & the street was flooded with Navy guys! He just looked up to heaven and said Oh My! He was a fantastic priest and I will miss him! Only good memories! Bless you Fr. Bob!

Terri Morlock

March 25, 2013

I will always remember Father Bob with a smile on his face and a kind word. I always looked forward to seeing him at family functions at Jeff and Susie's house. He was just a wonderful man. How appropriate he is with our Lord for Holy Week. God Bless You Father Bob.

March 25, 2013

You eased my mind with non judgment and forgiveness when I went to you for Reconciliation. Thank you for that...God Bless You...JP South Elgin, IL

Janet Weigel

March 25, 2013

Fr. Hoffman was such a kind and caring priest. In heaven at Easter, can't get much better than that.

March 25, 2013

Father Bob:

May you rest in His arms as His Beloved. May He bring peace to those awaiting their call.

The Mendez-Acevedo Family

Bill Hopper

March 25, 2013

I was saddened by the news of Fr. Bob's passing. He was a great priest and a good friend back in Aurora.

March 25, 2013

WHAT A WONDERFUL PRIEST AND "GENTLE"MAN. I HAVE MANY FOND CHILDHOOD MEMORIES ON AND AROUND HIGH ST. AND ST NICKS. I WAS GLAD THAT I SPOKE TO YOU FR. BOB, BEFORE WE LEFT FOR FLORIDA. YOU ARE NOW SAFE WITH OUR LORD DURING THIS EASTER WEEK.
RAY AND BONNIE BEACH
LARGO, FL.

Larry Padilla

March 25, 2013

Thanks for being a big part in my growth during my teens and twenties in the60's and 70's. I remember how you always wouldkid me about becoming a priest, pointing to your inside coat pocket, saying "I've got thepapers right here!" To one of the finest examples of priesthood and humanity. Seeing that infectious smile always made me smile. Thank you for everything.

Diane Mazanec

March 25, 2013

I remember Fr. Hoffman at Madonna H.S. He was our religion teacher there and a wonderful priest. May his soul rest rest in peace. Diane M. (class of 1967)

Maryanne Siverly

March 25, 2013

Class of 69 Aurora Central High School will remember Father Hoffman. He was a gift to our school.

Sandra Deutsch-Schmidt

March 25, 2013

Madonna's class of 1965 will always remember Father Hoffman. He celebrated Mass with us at our reunion. His words of wit and wisdom will remain. God rest his soul,he did so much for so many.

Michael and Colleen Puscas

March 25, 2013

Dear Fr.Bob, I know that you can read this from where you are! How grateful to God are we for the spiritual leadership that you modeled for so many of us who began our journeys in ministry with you as our "boss." We will always, ALWAYS be grateful. Enjoy heaven, and pray for all of us. Peace, love and joy! Michael and Colleen Puscas

Jamie Kaisershot

March 25, 2013

I had the privilege of working with Father Bob many times at OLGC. He was a wonderful priest and a shining example of Christ's humility and service. Rest in peace, Father!

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