Richard Dean Hoffman

Richard Dean Hoffman, age 82, died unexpectedly in a farming related accident on Friday, April 28, 2017 near his Columbia City farm.  Mr. Hoffman was born in Columbia City, Indiana on September 22, 1934 to the late Homer Vernon Hoffman and Alma (Pook) Hoffman.  He graduated from South Whitley High School in 1952 where he was a four sport star athlete.  He played basketball, baseball, softball and ran track.  He started farming with his grandfather, William Pook, while he was still in high school and bought his first John Deere tractor in 1951.  He was a well respected, lifetime Whitley County farmer. Richard was a member of the Columbia City Jaycees and the Columbia Township Volunteer Fire Department.  He honorably served his country in the United States Navy.  Richard was married to Vonna Corinne Loxley on October 11, 1953 at St. John Lutheran Church rural Columbia City.  Vonna just recently passed away on April 14, 2017. They were married for 63 years. He was a long time member and devoted elder at St. John Lutheran Church. 

Survivors include:
Son, Jeffrey Robin Hoffman of Columbia City.
Son, Kent and Cheryl Hoffman of Columbia City.
Daughter, Jill Marie Hoffman of Columbia City.
Four grandchildren: Angela Hoffman Taulbee, Adam Hoffman, Lindsey Hoffman Hierholzer, and Morgen Hoffman. Three great grandchildren: Wesley, Dylan, and Levi Hierholzer. 
He was preceded in death by grandson, Eric Dylan Hoffman on November 28, 2014.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 3, 2017 from 3:00 – 7:00 PM at St. John Lutheran Church, 2465 West Keiser Road, Columbia City, Indiana.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 11:00 AM at St. John Lutheran Church with visitation one hour prior to the funeral service.
Officiating the funeral service will be Pastor David Mommens of St. John Lutheran Church.  
Burial will take place at St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Whitley County Ag Museum or to St. John Lutheran Church Missions Endowment. 
Arrangements entrusted to Northern Indiana Funeral Care of Fort Wayne.

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