James Hoffman

Hoffman, James

My story unfolds in De Pere, Wisconsin. I am first born of Clarence and Irene (Gilson) Hoffman. Brother to Lee, Ray, Fred, and Liz. Nicolet High School Class of 1955 promoted a high school romance and graced my life with my worshiped wife, Yvonne (Vandenberg). Our June 17, 1957 marriage multiplied our life undertaking with four daughters and five sons born 1957 thru 1968. Terry, Barbara, Victor, Joseph, Thomas, Bernard, Jean, Marcia and Michael continued the multiplying with twenty-two grandchildren. Missy, Adam, Cody, Katie, Carrie, Codey, Allie, Alec, Jamie, Cory, Courtney, Jonathan, Adam, Ashley, Tyler, Danny, Timothy, Jessica, Brandon, Brittney, Jacob, and Justin.

Of course, those twenty-two grandchildren carried on the tradition of multiplying and brought forth twenty-seven great grandchildren. Dylan, Logan, Ella, Preston, Brady, Clara, Gracelynn, Deontae, Kyra, Gabriel, Emmanuel, Yessenia, Bayle, Benjamin, Brooklynn, Gabriel, Dominik, Vivien, Alexa, Kiara, Britney, Cade, Madisyn, McKenzie, Hayden, and Cameron.

My lifetime was enhanced with my travels thru various employments - frequently holding two or more jobs at once. As a young man I worked at a filling station with a wrecker service. Then, Nicolet Paper (that my grandfather and dad also spent their working lives at), Brown County Publishing Company, Bay City Cab, and Lamers Bus Lines for hospital shuttle, school bus route and charter tours. The school bus route brought the young ones handing me Christmas lists, most likely promoted by my white beard that was in continuous growth since Yvonne's untimely passing February 15, 1982. Bus tours let me view fifty states from the driver's seat!

I hold fond memories of relaxing by campfires, fish lunch with Iris, long drives to anywhere, camping and hunting days of the past, trips out west, Olympic events, Canada and everywhere in between supplying scenery, interesting people and many memorable experiences. I was the guy who always had a jack knife, least an apple needed coring, a package needed opening or my finger nails needed trimming. I relished foods like buttermilk, smoked chubs, limburger cheese, good sausage, and fried cabbage.

I'm grateful for years filled with family and friends.

Come visit and talk, Vonny and I, are "on the hill".

"Take care, God bless"

Survivors include nine children, Terry (Jerry) Vander Heiden, Barbara Hoffman, Victor (Ellen), Joseph (Sherri), Thomas (Sue), Bernard, Jean (Tom) Roffers, Marcia (Brian) Arcand, and Michael. Also survived by brothers, Lee (Sharon), Ray, Fred (Barb), sister, Liz (Ben) Seal, and sisters in laws, Isabelle Vosters, June school and Joan Schultz. Also survived by God children, Liz Seal, Chad Hoffman, Jeff Schultz, Vicki Krueger, and nieces and nephews too numerous to list. Also survived by dear friend, Iris Seroogy, Father Tim and the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Family. Also survived by his furry companion, Bam.

James was proceeded in death by his parents, wife, and two great grandchildren. Also proceeded in death by Yvonne's family, Zeta (Nick Mollen and Nick Huisman), Gil Vosters, Pearl (Roy Pleshek), Jean (Ted Van Dera), Merlin School, Doug (Carol) Vandenberg, Bill Schultz and Margie Vandenberg, and Godson, Tim Pleshek.

Friends may call at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Family, corner of Lourdes Ave. and Suburban Drive in De Pere from 4:00pm - 7:00pm Monday October 3, 2016. Visitation will continue after 9:00am Tuesday at the church until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am with Fr. Tim Shillcox O.Praem officiating. Burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Please go to www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the family.

James and his family are sincerely grateful for everyone who touched our lives thru good times and bad. No one is an island and we all need each other.