Gregory Dean Hoff

Gregory Dean Hoff, 73, passed away June 3, 2024, at the University of Missouri Hospital with his true love, Phyllis, by his side. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Barks of Rocheport; daughter, Elizabeth Hoff, and granddaughter, Grace Hoff, of South Yarmouth, Massachusetts; brother Chris Hoff (Jean) of Defiance, Missouri; and two nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Adrian and Helen Ptasznik Hoff.
Greg was born in St. Louis on March 28, 1951. He grew up in Jennings, a St. Louis suburb, and graduated from McBride High School. He received an undergraduate degree from Rockhurst University in Kansas City and then went on to earn a law degree and MBA at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Greg was known among his friends as a true Renaissance man, with interests and hobbies ranging from science and medicine to nature and music. He was an avid consumer of information, delving into diverse subjects with a keen and always curious mind. With a twinkle in his eye, he enjoyed playing the role of provocateur, relishing nothing more than a lively debate. Granddaughter Grace delighted in her grandpa's witty antics, and learned how to respond with impressive repartee. They loved nothing more than playfully taunting each other as well as having serious chats about life. Greg and Liz also shared a special bond through their love of fly fishing and deep conversations.
Over the course of their 34-year marriage, Greg and Phyllis turned their country home near Rocheport into a beautiful refuge for birds, wildlife, and all manner of plants. In the summer, Greg's orchid and hibiscus collections made their deck an inviting meeting place for friends and family. An avid fisherman, he and Phyllis traveled the country to fly fish, often sharing their catch along with the bounty of their garden at these gatherings.
While awaiting the opening of trout season at his beloved Bennett Spring, Greg's winter pastimes included tying his favorite beetle flies and tending orchids. He found great joy in music-the Les Miserables soundtrack was a cherished favorite. Greg had a fine voice and occasionally sang for special family memorial occasions. His favorite singing times were when he and Liz would gather around the piano and harmonize to show tunes. Earlier in life he performed in several community theater productions. He was a knowledgeable and appreciative connoisseur of food and wine. True to his roots, he was a loyal St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan his entire life, with fond boyhood memories of listening to Cardinals games on the radio.
Greg is deeply mourned and dearly missed by those who knew and loved him. A celebration of life for family and friends will be held later this summer. Memorial gifts may be made in Greg's honor to Trout Unlimited or Giving Gardens of Columbia, Missouri.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nilson-Millard Cremation and Burial Center, 5611 E. St Charles Road, Columbia, MO 65202 (573) 474-8443. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.nilsonfuneralhome.com.