Josef Hoffman

Josef Christian Arno "Joe" Hoffman, 65, passed away unexpectedly on May 17, 2025, in Irvine, California. Born on March 23, 1960, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Joe lived a life marked by intellectual curiosity, fun-loving adventures, and professional achievement.

Joe spent his formative years in Indianapolis, graduating from North Central High School in 1978. He then attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis and served in the Navy for two years. He next went on to Purdue University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering in 1984. A decade later, he furthered his education with an MBA from the University of Southern California in 1994. Throughout his career as a Quality Engineer, Joe also pursued numerous professional certifications that reflected his dedication to excellence and lifelong learning.

Joe began his professional journey at Frito Lay in Pasadena. Over the years, he worked at several companies across the medical device industry. His entrepreneurial spirit drove him to launch three ventures of his own: Sweet Shapes-a company that manufactured shaped sugar cubes; a perfume business; and Hoffman Ventures-an ambitious effort to develop and market an at-home dialysis machine. These endeavors showcased Joe's inventive mind and willingness to take risks. He finally retired on January 11, 2024.

Beyond his professional life, Joe was known for his great sense of humor and his love of hiking, tennis, traveling, reading, and gourmet dining. He was a sensitive and fun-loving individual who was always willing to lend a hand.

Joe is survived by his sister Ann Hoffman Nelson; his aunt Leah Schwantes Rhys; and cousins Elizabeth Williams Gomoll, Susan Williams Jenkins, Paul Williams, Kirsti Trygstad, Marcus Trygstad, Adam Rhys, Madoc Rhys, Michelle Cheadle, Lisa Cheadle Kramer, and Laura Keele Quinn.

He was preceded in death by his parents Waldo W. and Gail M. Hoffman; grandparents Arno R. and Maida S. Schwantes and Chris H. and Emmy S. Hoffman; cousins Robert S. Keele and Jody Trygstad Hoffman; as well as several beloved aunts and uncles.

A memorial service celebrating Josef's life will be held in Florida in the coming weeks.