John L. Hoffmiller

1946 - 2025

John L. Hoffmiller
Born: July 27, 1946
Died: July 30, 2025
John Lawrence Hoffmiller, born July 27, 1946 in Sterling, IL to Albert & Jane (Innes) Hoffmiller; left his earthly life on July 30, 2025. He was joined in wedded bliss to Marianne Archer on August 8, 1970. Together they enjoyed 54 years, 11 months and 22 days of family, faith and friends. John and Marianne raised three children, with whom they made wonderful memories, Judy Hoffmiller (Sauk City, WI), Matthew Hoffmiller (deceased), and Michael Hoffmiller (Madison, WI). John was always proud to introduce his grandchildren Michael Hoefler (Merrill, WI) and Maya Hoffmiller-Maynard (Mesa, AZ).
John's whole family was a focal point. He grew up on East 3rd Street in Rock Falls, IL with his brother, Paul Hoffmiller (deceased), and four sisters, Mary End, (Rock Falls, IL), Peg Hoffmiller (Sterling, IL), Anne Mayberry, (Sterling, IL) & Jean Zook (deceased). Over the years, he became "Uncle John" a name he took to heart and stuffed with a $2 bill. Just ask any of his nieces and nephews: Tom Archer (deceased), Carol Archer (New York, NY), Ellen Archer (Maplewood, NJ), Kate Hoffmiller (Sterling, IL), Matt Brown (Pacifica, CA), Lisa Petersen (St. Charles, IL) Alex Pascal (Dixon, IL), Amanda Zook (Dixon, IL), & Kelly Renner (Geneva, IL). He then got to spread the Uncle John magic to his many great nieces and nephews too!
In 1964, John joined the family business and became the co-owner of General Distributing Inc., Hoffmiller Bros in Rock Falls, IL with his brother Paul. He made many friendships with his customers and was known to have a dice cup ready or a joke to tell.
John was a very civic-minded man and was involved in many altruistic groups and activities throughout his life. He served in the Rock Falls Fire Department from 1970-2000 and was awarded the Golden Ax for years of service and appreciation for all the hours of fundraising efforts and social events. He was a lifetime member of the Sterling-Rock Falls Jaycees since 1968. He served as secretary for 40 years and was a lifetime member of the Optimist Club of Rock Falls since 1980. He was awarded the Shoulder to the Wheel award in 1978. John served dutifully on the Rock Falls Police Pension Board since 1985 and the Whiteside County 708 Mental Health Board since 1984 and the Rock Falls Fire Fighters Foundation.
John's volunteering didn't stop with these civic groups. His time and efforts also benefited his church St. Andrew Catholic Church in Rock Falls, IL and the schools he and his family attended, St. Andrew Grade School, Newman Middle School, and Newman High School. John enjoyed organizing and grilling out for 30 years for Newman's football camp. He also got to spend more time with his "favorite girl"(Marianne) when he served as stage manager for her musicals at Newman High School for 20+ years. He enjoyed calling bingo for St. Andrew Church and Rock Falls American Legion, where he was known to have many fans.
Since 1983, when John first blew out his sandal & it was just a 1-day port of call on a cruise; John and Marianne enjoyed many perfect sunsets together in Zihuatanejo, Guerrerro, Mexico. They were happiest when they got to share their little piece of paradise with many family and friends who joined them over the 42 years of vacations in their second home. They were also able to grow their massive friend circle through many beloved new friendships through their escapades in Zihua!
The family would like to thank all of our family and friends for the support, prayers and love during this difficult time. We especially want to thank John's close friend and private nurse, Pat Zigler, Rock Falls, IL who helped take care of him over many years. We know the greeting card industry will be taking a big financial hit with John's passing, as he lovingly sent birthday and anniversary cards to many. Marianne is sorry to see this tradition end.
Visitation will be Friday August 1, 2025 from 4-7 PM at McDonald Funeral Home, 1002 12th Avenue in Rock Falls, IL and August 2, 2025 from 10-11 AM at St. Andrew Catholic Church. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 AM at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Andrew Parish and Grade School, Newman High School, the Rock Falls Fire Fighters Foundation and to Rock Falls Optimist Club to be earmarked for the Scholarship Fund in John's memory.