Manfred E. HOFFMANN

Manfred E. HOFFMANN obituary, Decatur, GA

Manfred E. HOFFMANN

Manfred HOFFMANN Obituary

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HOFFMANN, Manfred E. The Rev. Dr. Manfred Hoffmann, Professor Emeritus of Emory University and Theologian-in-Residence at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Atlanta, died peacefully at home on March 15, 2017 after living well and gracefully with challenging disabilities. Born in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, he was the son of Marta Koerner Hoffmann and Gustav Hoffmann. He is predeceased by his parents, his brother Klaus Jacob Hoffmann, his first wife Maria Luisa Colombo Hoffmann, and his oldest son, Thomas Manfred Hoffmann, all of Germany. He studied at the college level in Mainz, and went on to the graduate study of theology at the University of Heidelberg, obtaining a doctorate in that field. Continuing his devout German Methodist family faith, he followed his father and brother in the study of and ordination to the ministry. The Rev. Dr. Hoffmann served churches in the Karlsruhe district, including the German Methodist Church of Heidelberg. In 1960 he was invited to join the faculty of the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, where he taught as professor of historical theology until retirement in 1997. His adult children, Joanne Marie Hoffmann and Christopher Andrew Hoffmann & fiance Terri Chubb survive him, along with his wife, the Rev. Dr. Elisabeth Lunz, grandson Thomas Andrew Hoffmann, and his sister-in-law, nieces, and their families in Germany. Drs. Hoffmann and Lunz have served together in ministry at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church since 1997. Manfred is beloved in his congregation and fondly remembered by his Emory students. In addition to his love for academy and church, he enjoyed and excelled at sailing, tennis, racquetball, and playing the piano and organ. He was wise, witty, kind, faithful and generous. A devoted scholar, he is the author of ten books in German and in English, and was working on another at the time of his death. He is irreplaceable in the lives and hearts of his family and friends. His teaching, example, and influence, however, will long outlive him. A service in celebration of Manfred Hoffmann's faith and life will be held in the sanctuary of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, 3180 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA on Sunday, March 19th at 2:00 pm. The family will receive visitors in Grace Fellowship Hall after the service. Instead of flowers, the family requests donations to the church in his memory.

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March 11, 2024

Tom Gildemeister posted to the memorial.

March 11, 2022

Thomas Gildemeister posted to the memorial.

May 9, 2018

Dan Wilson posted to the memorial.

Tom Gildemeister

March 11, 2024

My relationship with Dr. Hoffman was forged in his classes on historical theology and the systematic theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, as well as serving as a colloquy teacher in historical theology. I considered him a mentor and friend, and continue to think of our time together. Erudite, jolly, and a mischievous wit--what a wonderful man!

Thomas Gildemeister

March 11, 2022

Dr. Hoffmann was a spiritual and intellectual mentor. His understated lessons on all that is good and holy remain with me every day. God bless you all.

Dan Wilson

May 9, 2018

Here I am leading a class at an Episcopal church when I suddenly remembered something that I heard Manfred Hoffmann say in class. An internet search to find the quote led me to an obituary that is now over a year old. As I sometimes found in his classes, I am way too late getting to what is important. With that said, what he taught me about Karl Barth has shaped my theology to this day, and what I experienced of him in the classroom left me with a lasting appreciation of the giants who roamed Candler when I was there.

Cynthia Giambrone, MDiv 97

October 5, 2017

Betsy, I know this is late so I hope you get it. Dr. Hoffmann was one of my greatest teachers. He assumed teaching Theology of Wesley in the Fall of 1994 when Bishop Cannon became ill. I remember the first day when he became aware our class had been told they need only attend all classes (and sign in) in order to get an "A." It was priceless, but he honored our treaty with Bishop Cannon.

I came to love him both for his knowledge as a learned and eager teacher and his compassion as a Methodist minister. My classwork under him included all four classes he taught during my years at Candler (94-97). Rarely did I miss one of his classes, because to do so would be to disallow my education some of its beauty.

When you both came to work at Peachtree Road (my church) I was very happy. And when you wrote a very sweet letter when my son Brandon died in 2010 I was again reminded of how important both of you had been during my life in Atlanta.

God Bless YOU, Betsy - and the rest of Dr. Hoffmann's family (daughter, and I believe son) as you remember his influences and love during your time together. Rest In Peace, Dr. Hoffman; I look forward to our meeting at the throne of God. There will never be another like you.

Mont Duncan

April 6, 2017

He was my professor of church history at Candler in 1970-1971. I admired his knowledge of people who were instrumental in church history. He will, indeed, be missed.

Gayle Jordan

April 6, 2017

To Rev Dr. Elizabeth Lunz and family:

Dear Betsy: May God strengthen and comfort you and your family during this time. What a joy to have a fruitful and rewarding marriage and ministry. May God continue to keep you.

Blessings,
Gayle Jordan, Candler '92
P. O. Box 543, Hamilton, GA 31811-0543

Thomas Gildemeister

April 6, 2017

A lovely, monstrous brain and a bigger heart. He was a spiritual and intellectual mentor, challenging me to challenge adiaphora of theological wisdom. I will always remember Dr. Hoffman as a bright star in the constellation of my years at Candler.

mike

April 6, 2017

Dr. Hoffman was my advisor when I was a student at Candler. He prayed with me, advised me, and supported me throughout my years there. I will always appreciate his wisdom and friendship.

Christopher Neely

March 22, 2017

We are so grateful to God for the gift of Manfred Hoffman. We will celebrate his legacy and always remember him for the way he accepted my family into his home and into his heart.

Our prayers will continue to be with Betsy and his loving family.

Chris, Roslyn and Christopher and other members of the family.

March 20, 2017

I was a student in the Master of Theological Studies program at Candler during the mid-seventies. I had the great privilege of studying with Professor Manfred Hoffmann in several classes. I only regret that at the time I was too young and inexperienced to fully appreciate the astonishing breadth of Professor Hoffmann's learning and the depth of his understanding. My best memories of him are from a class that he team-taught with Professor Bill Mallard. The scintillating and often hilarious exchanges between those two were both entertaining and edifying. He was a great scholar and a great educator. He will be missed.

George Donigian

March 19, 2017

In all the very best ways Manfred Hoffmann challenged and stimulated my understanding of theology and ministry. I treasure also memories of informal Friday afternoon gatherings at Jagger's. God's peace to all the family.

Susan Henry-Crowe

March 18, 2017

Manfred was a wonderful teacher, advisor, theologian and friend. He shaped my theological education in profound ways. I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family, friends, students and colleagues. May he rest in peace as his legacy lives on in the lives of many. May the God of love surround you in these days of mourning and grief.

Seketha

March 18, 2017

May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. Psalms 116:15.

Larry Trotter

March 18, 2017

He was my professor, but more, a pastor when I had a family emergency during my first year at Candler. I will never forget the compassionate assistance he offered.

Nancy Musselwhite

March 16, 2017

When Manfred prayed, everyone listened- privileged to be present at a conversation between a humble and devoted man of God and His Father. Manfred's prayers changed hearts.

Timothy Adams

March 16, 2017

He was one of the best teachers I ever had.

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Not sure what to say?

March 11, 2024

Tom Gildemeister posted to the memorial.

March 11, 2022

Thomas Gildemeister posted to the memorial.

May 9, 2018

Dan Wilson posted to the memorial.