Dennis Hoffman

Dennis Craig Hoffman of Vail, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 68, from complications of pancreatitis. He was born to Richard and Charlene (Ruch) Hoffman on July 3, 1956, in Denison. He was baptized and later confirmed his faith at St. Ann Catholic Church in Vail. Dennis attended grade school at St. Ann’s and later graduated from Ar-We-Va with the class of 1974. After graduating, he began a lifelong career in farming, working alongside his father and uncle Ambrose, and later with his son. Denny adapted the farming machinery for his handicapped father and an organization reached out to learn from his innovations. He also worked with Dick McCollough’s construction crew for many years.

Dennis married Sharon Ann Maher on January 29, 1977, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Vail and together they were blessed with four children: Nicholas, Rachel, Amy, and Haley. A devoted father who never missed a chance to support his children, attend their activities, lend a hand with 4-H projects and always pitch in with meals and clean-up.

He found joy in golfing, biking, traveling, and spending time with others. Often, what started as a simple drive to “check the fields” turned into a chance to catch up with a friend or neighbor. One of his greatest pleasures was cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events, as well as attending Iowa State University football and basketball games.

Denny was a skilled handyman, capable of tackling appliance repairs, plumbing, electrical work, and general household maintenance with ease. He was always ready to lend a hand, whether it was for his father, uncles, relatives, or neighbors. Dennis was a lifelong member of St. Ann’s Parish. He dedicated many years to the Ar-We-Va community, driving a school bus and serving on the school board.

Denny and Sharon were inseparable. More than husband and wife, they were best friends and true partners in life and in faith. In recent years, they began exploring the world together, making treasured memories on their travels.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 48 years, Sharon Hoffman of Vail; his son, Nick Hoffman and wife Sara of Ankeny; his daughters: Rachel Green of Cascade, Amy Hoffman of Oak Creek, Wisconsin and Haley Hoffman of Kansas City, Missouri; five beloved grandchildren: Zach and Maddie Hoffman and Kate, Jackson, and Harper Green; brother, Mark (Kristi) Hoffman of Vail; sisters: Lisa (Scot) Stoelk of Westside and Joni (Theodore) Hawley of Missouri Valley; sister-in-law, Susan (Bob) Sedlak of Omaha, Nebraska; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Ed and Kathleen Maher; grandma, Jackie Ruch; uncle, Ambrose Hoffman; and brother-in-law, Joe Maher.

A prayer service will be held at 3:45 p.m. with visitation with family greeting friends following from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Vail. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, also at St. Ann Catholic Church in Vail. Interment will follow in the St. Ann Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family for a donation to be made in his name.