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Kenneth Roy Hoffman

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New Trier High School

Kenneth Hoffman Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 10, 2024.

Kenneth Roy Hoffman, a proud veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2024. Ken was born to Henry and Margaret Hoffman on March 21, 1923, in Evanston, Illinois, grew up in Wilmette, and attended New Trier High School.

Ken married his sweetheart, Muriel Schmidt, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wilmette, Illinois on May 15, 1948. He and Muriel raised their family in Deerfield, Illinois before moving to Twin Lakes, Wisconsin in 2004. In 2019, Ken returned to Illinois where he was a beloved resident of Sunrise Senior Living of Gurnee.

At the age of 19, Ken enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he proudly served in the 483rd Bombardment Group, 816th Squadron, flying 35 missions as a tail gunner on the Flying Fortress B-17. Ken engaged in battles over Czech Republic, Italy, Hungary, Romania, Austria, and Germany. On his fifth mission, Ken was wounded in combat action over Ploesti, Romania on July 31, 1944, a sacrifice for which he was awarded the Purple Heart. Other wartime awards include the Air Medal, 1st Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster and 2nd Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster. He was a member of the Gurnee American Legion, Post 771.

After his military service, Ken served as an officer with the Wilmette Police Department, Chief of Police for Great Lakes Naval Station in North Chicago, Wilmette Park District, and worked at the Deerfield Public Library. After retirement, he continued flying as a hobby, including his last flight as a co-pilot in a Piper Cub at age 98.

Ken was an avid golfer and fisherman and especially loved trout fishing at Bennett Spring in Missouri. He was an excellent downhill skier and instructor and was awarded numerous NASTAR gold medals even to the age of 91. He loved skiing with his family in Colorado, Utah, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Austria, and along with the Snowseekers Ski Club among whom he met his dear friend and late-life companion, Dolores.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, wife Muriel, sisters Margaret (Gilbert) Geils and Laureen (Ken) Steffey, son David (Hazel) Hoffman, and daughter Diane (Ken) Kenealy. He is survived by his daughter Nancy (Jay) Clifton of Gurnee, Illinois, six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Arrangement by Cremation Society of Illinois. A military memorial service will be held at Fort Sheridan National Cemetery on September 20, 2024, at 2:00pm.

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Recent Activity

March 21, 2025

Jill Steffey posted to the memorial.

September 20, 2024

Rick Steffey posted to the memorial.

August 14, 2024

Buddy Ellis posted to the memorial.

5 Entries

Jill Steffey

March 21, 2025

Thinking of Uncle Ken today.
While growing up, I remember Uncle Ken as a sweet, responsible adult who was always upbeat with a great sense of humor. He was the apple of my grandmother´s eye. There was a wonderful picture of him in his Air Force uniform in my grandparent´s living room over the many years. One of my fondest memories is of him taking the time to come from the Wilmette Police Station for lunch at my grandmother´s house whenever he could. It gave my grandmother the opportunity to fuss over him while we chatted and he would always tell me jokes and tease me. Like my grandfather, he was a solid family man and friend to many. Thank you, Uncle Ken, for the kindness, humor and guidance you gave to me, Rick and Tim over many years.

Rick Steffey

September 20, 2024

Uncle Kenny was my favorite Uncle. I was lucky enough to grow up in the same house as he did, with his parents as my grandparents, so I know exactly where Uncle Kenny got his integrity, morality, work ethic and sweet disposition. He was someone with a great sense of adventure, dedication to duty and his family. There were times where I was his employee, and his generosity and guidance were apprecited when I was less than perfect. We shared a common interest in flying and skiing, he was the sole impetus in me getting my Pilots license. His love of dogs too influenced my own love for them. Thank you Uncle Kenny for all that you did for me and those around you.

Buddy Ellis

August 14, 2024

We had a lot fun serving seniors there coffee and water for senior dining at the silver village pub so sorry for your loss he was a kind man . Buddy Ellis silver lake wi

Diana Jaeger

August 12, 2024

Listening and Dancing to Big Band music , leading Bingo sessions for his Senior Peers, riding his motor scooter in the Legion parade, being a dedicated Volunteer to the Senior Dining program in western Kenosha county (Twin Lakes & Silver lake) and so many more memories. RIP dear friend you shall be greatly missed by many but never ever forgotten. My condolences to all Family members during your time of heartfelt loss. In Sympathy, Diana Jaeger

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Bruce Smaha

August 10, 2024

I grew up as a kid in Wilmette and that's when I met officer Hoffman. I wasn't a trouble maker, but just liked the police. As time went became closer. When he would see me out and about and always pull over to say hi. Kenny and I remained friends from that day forward. He retired from the force and that was a sad day for me. A few years later I got hired by the Wilmette police department and when we had our Christmas party I was honored as Kenny would always choose to sit with me. I will never forget him as a friend, an Officer and a legend.
RIP my friend mm

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