Wayne K. Hoffman

Wayne Hoffman, 90, of Elmhurst, IL, passed away on May 1, 2023 at Edward-Elmhurst Memorial Hospital.
Born in Chicago on November 21, 1932, Wayne infused others every day with his passion and buoyant love for life.
He served in the Army during the Korean War. Later, Chicago named Wayne the first principal of an early childhood model that has been duplicated in underserved neighborhoods throughout the city. He remained a White Sox fan always, passionate reader who devoured thousands of books, community play performer and lifelong donor to charity.
Wayne's energy and happy singing became legendary. Stay loose! I'm well if you're well! Consider yourself at home! Wayne's ultimate lifework was to spark smiles that fostered empowering optimism.
Wayne died among his family after several months fighting cancer. A man of bedrock faith, he passed peacefully as the priest conducting last rites asked the gates of paradise open for him.
He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years Tommye, children Mary Jo (Mike) Mikottis, Joe (Julie), Andy (Jon), and John; grandson Alex (Sara), and sister Carol.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 4, 2023 from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL, 567 S. Spring Rd. Elmhurst, IL 60126. Wayne's Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, May 5, 2023 starting at 12 p.m. at Visitation Catholic Church, 779 S. York St. Elmhurst, IL 60126. Interment at Mt. Carmel Catholic Cemetery, Hillside, IL.
In lieu of flowers, Wayne asked that donations may be made to Trinity Missions, https://trinitymissions.org/, which he faithfully contributed to for more than 70 years.
Arrangements in care of Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL. For info, (630) 834-3515 or www.ElmhurstFH.com.