David Frank Hoffman Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

David F. Hoffman, loving husband, wonderful father, doting grandfather, fun-loving brother-in-law, big-hearted uncle, grateful son, caring brother and friend to all, died in his sleep on April 14, 2018 in Battle Creek. He was out of town on one of his many road trips working as a gas well "mud-logger." He was born on April 24, 1952 in Lockhaven, Pennsylvania, to Irma and Frank Hoffman. Frank died when Dave was just 2 years old. Shortly after Frank's death, Irma packed up the family and moved Dave and his sister, Susan, to live with their maternal grandparents, Lodema and Jack Hawley, in Southfield. Irma passed away five years later when Dave was just 7 years old. Lodema and Jack became Dave and Susan's permanent guardians and caregivers. Dave spoke fondly of Irma over the years and admired her toughness. Dave graduated high school in 1970 and then went on to serve his country as a member of the U.S. Army. The Selective Service "drafts" were at their height around this time as the Vietnam War was still in full swing. Rumor has it that Dave's draft number was low so he decided to enlist (knowing that he was going to be drafted anyway). After his discharge from the Army, Dave spent a year at West Point as a cadet and then enrolled at the University of Illinois to pursue a degree in architecture. Post-graduation, he also studied advanced construction management at Montana State University in Bozeman. It was at the University of Illinois where Dave met his future bride, Barbara McCarthy, of Franklin Park, Illinois. They were married in 1979 and had two beautiful children, Kathrine Rose (born in 1987) and Jessica Mae (born in 1989). They settled down in Warrenville, Illinois, for many years, where Dave owned his own construction management business and Barb taught school and raised her family. Dave always had a soft spot in his heart for Michigan. So, it wasn't surprising that after many happy years in Illinois, he moved his family back to Michigan. They settled in Traverse City, where he continued to pursue his career in construction management and, eventually, natural gas exploration. One of Dave's very favorite pastimes was coaching his daughters in basketball. He was especially proud of the bumps and bruises they earned while playing the tough game he taught them. Dave liked to tell stories. He always had a story to tell, and told it loudly so everyone could hear. He loved sitting around the dining room table after holiday dinners and just shooting the breeze. He also loved helping people. His construction skills were sometimes as much of a curse as they were a blessing. Over the years, most everyone in the family has had home improvements projects completed compliments of Dave. Dave is survived by his wonderful wife, Barbara; lovely daughters, Kathrine and Jessica; beautiful granddaughter, Addi (daughter of Jessica and husband, Jeff Serrel); handsome grandson, Brycen (son of Kathrine and partner Anthony Rademacher); half-brother, Robert Hoffman, of York, Pennsylvania; numerous brothers and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and grandparents, Dave was preceded in death by his sister, Susan (Blasier) Hoffman; and half-sister, Beverly (Vart) Hoffman. Services will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 2, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, MI 49684.

David Frank Hoffman

April 24, 1952 - April 14, 2018