Thomas "Tom" Hoff

Hoff, Thomas "Tom" Beloved husband and best friend of Patricia (Stocks) for 49 years was born to Eternal Life Thursday, August 11, 2011, at home at the age of 88. Loving father of Joseph (Billie Jo), Michael (Cheryl), Thomas (Kay), Robert (Kay), John, Tamara and David. Loving grandfather of Lisa (Tim), Timothy (Betsy), Gabe (Amanda), Jessica (Ben), Bryan, Gina (Paul), Peter (Lisa), Adam (Val), Emily (Robin), Matt and Ashley, and great-grandfather of six. He is survived by his brother Lyle (Mary), and many other relatives and friends. Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Onalee and his first wife and friend, Florence. Tom served in the U.S. Army Air Force in WWII with the 389th Bomb Group. He was shot down during the famous and most decorated bombing raid over the Romanian oil fields of Ploesti known as Operation Tidal Wave. After saving the only other survivor of his plane, he was a POW for 13 months. For his heroism, he received the Purple Heart, the Air Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster, a Squadron Citation and the second highest military award, the Distinguished Service Cross. Funeral Mass 7PM Tuesday at St. Charles Parish, 313 Circle Drive, Hartland. Final rest Town of Summit Cemetery. Visitation at church from 5:00 PM until the time of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial to the American Cancer Society appreciated.