Thomas L. Hoffman

Tom left us early and suddenly on Sunday morning while visiting at the Hoffman Deer Camp in Brimley, MI. He was humble, generous, honest, shy, friendly, adventuresome, positive and strong of faith. He was born a farm boy of Irish-German descent, the third of seven sons to Theresa (Keenan) and Andrew Hoffman in Saginaw, MI on May 3, 1937. In November of 1964 he joined in marriage with Carol Ann Hopp in Zilwaukee, MI. Their move to Traverse City that same year resulted in Traverse City becoming their permanent home. Their three children, Heidi (Daniel) Mello of Traverse City, Todd (Charlene) Hoffman of Boulder, CO, and Alison Hoffman of Traverse City were all raised in Traverse City on Long Lake. Their grandchildren include: Tess and Lily Mello, and Ella, Cora and Teigan Hoffman all of whom survive him. Deceased family includes his parents, Andrew and Theresa “Tess” Hoffman, brothers, Don, Mike and Dick, sister-in-law Pat, and nephew Tony. Tom joined the Army after high school to serve his country. He worked in farm sales for Agrico Chemical Co. and Crop Production Services and McGough’s. He retired from Cone Drive after 12 years of field service which took him all over the world. His strong work ethic then led him to start a Mr. Fix-It business. He loved tractors, country music, wood-working in his garage, motorcycling, boating, and most of all grilling for his family on his back deck overlooking Long Lake. He was a self-taught man who was the “go-to-can-do” guy for all of his neighbors. He always enjoyed helping others and opened his doors to those who needed a place to stay for a few days, a week or months, be they family, friends or exchange students. Tom impacted many hearts and lives. Tom was a role model for his family and a wonderful husband. He taught his children the values of hard work, kindness, giving back, laughter, and celebrating life. Thanks for being a part of our lives and memories. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please consider the Education Fund for his grandchildren at East Traverse Catholic Federal Credit Union, 3797 N. Veterans Dr., Traverse City, MI 49684 %Hoffman Kids or Father Fred where he was a volunteer. Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 22 from 7-9pm at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, MI 49684. The funeral mass will be held on Thursday, August 23 at 11am, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 630 W. Silver Lake Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685. Please share your memories of Tom with his family by way of his online guest book and tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Thomas L. Hoffman

May 3, 1937 - August 19, 2012