Willard Eugene Hoffman
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On Friday, February 26, 2021, with his family at his side, Willard Eugene Hoffman, 92 of Rockham, SD, was called home to his John Deere tractor and hay barge to move hay for the heavenly livestock.
Visitation will be Wednesday, March 3, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield, SD with Masonic Rites and a time of sharing starting at 7:00 p.m. His funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 4, 2021, at the Redfield United Methodist Church in Redfield. Interment will follow at Rockham Grace Cemetery in Rockham. Pastor Melissa Rowenhorst will officiate.
Masks and social distancing are required at the funeral home and church. For those unable to wear or are uncomfortable with masks, as well as those unable to attend in person, the funeral service will be live-streamed to the funeral home's website. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home. (www.hykefuneralhome.com)
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations tobe made to the Rockham Grace Cemetery.
Willard Eugene Hoffman was born on November 11,1928, to William Fredrick and Elsie Johanna (Buss) Hoffman in Faulkton, SD. Willard was a typical child who loved working and playing on the family farm. He attended grades 1-8 at the Hillsdale School just 3 miles north of the farm. He rode his trusty horse every day to school and even found some wildlife on the way at times, such as skunks, racoons, and who knows what else. He attended high school in Redfield, SD and loved to play football as a tackle. During this time, he enjoyed going to dances and met the love of his life, Elaine Clark. It had to be the date with the cattle truck that made her say yes to Willard, and on June 11, 1950, they were married. Willard moved this city girl to the farmhouse that he had given three heifers for. They were blessed with three children. Elaine passed away in 2004.
Willard loved the farm and lived on the homestead for his whole 92 years of life. He loved to smell the freshly cut alfalfa, the joy of seeing the new calves and lambs being born, the smell of the fresh rain, and stacking and moving hay with his tractor. He also loved to play softball and was a pretty good third baseman. Willard was a member of the Redfield Masonic Lodge, Ringneck Shrine, Aberdeen Yelduz Shrine, and a Jester for 28 years. He loved meeting all and socializing with people and was a very active member of the Black Velvet Gang. Willard was also known as "Saturday night kid" on the CB wave band radio as he and Elaine loved to take the camper and go dancing every Saturday night. Along with loving Elaine, he loved his three kids, seven grandkids and 10 great-grandkids. He loved them all and so enjoyed watching them grow (plus eating all his ice cream).
Willard is survived by his three children: Bruce (Lana Thompson) Hoffman, Suzan Hoffman, and Lorri (Pete) Peterson. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Travis (Megan) Hoffman; Kayla (Kaleb) Weis; Tyler (Laura) Hoffman: Lacie (Rob) Peterson; Nathan (Amy) Speck; Scott Speck; and Chelsea Speck; and 10 great-grandchildren: Abigail, Baysa, and David Weis; Braxton and Addison Peterson; Titus and Chaz Hoffman; and Tucker Johnson, Wyatt, and Hudsyn Speck.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine; parents William and Elsie; two brothers: Robert and Duane Hoffman; three sisters-in-law: Verna and Celyon Hoffman, and Lorrainne Clark.