Obit: Hoffman, John J. (1888 - 1937)

Contact:  Crystal Wendt

Surnames: Hoffman, Florent, Read, Hardin, Britton, Grannis, Lane, Gascoyne, Masterson

----Sources: Neillsville Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) 27 May 1937

Hoffman, John J. (2 Dec. 1888 - 12 April 1937)

Alderman John J. Hoffman, 48, a well known and respected resident of Sycamore, died April 12 at 1:30 o’clock after an illness of six months. Well known for his civic and public work his death will be mourned by many friends here.

Mr. Hoffman was a general contractor, past director of Moose lodge, newly elected Exalted Ruler of the Elks, member of St. Mary’s church and St. Mary’s men’s club, Catholic Order of Forresters, Chamber of Commerce and for the past two years was a member of the city council, which position he held until his death. He was a candidate for re-election from the third ward in the April 20 election.

Born December 2, 1888, at Blue Island, he was the son of Nicholas and Margaret Hoffman, one of the family of nine children. He great to manhood in Blue Island and it was there he received his education. His mother passed away Sept. 6, 1900, and his father predeceased him Feb. 10, 1923.

January 22, 1913, Mr. Hoffman married Miss Katherine M. Florent at Neillsville, Wisconsin. They lived at Blue Island until 1915, after which they moved to Iroquois, S. D., where they lived until 1924 when they came to Sycamore to make their home. They are the parents of six daughters, all of whom survive.

Mr. Hoffman is survived by his wife, Katherine, and six daughters. Mrs. Helen Read, Lucille, Catherine, Claire, Joan and Rosemary, all of Sycamore. There are two grandchildren, Jack and Richard Read. He is also survived by two brothers, William Hoffman of Boulder, Colo., and Edward Hoffman of Sycamore and five sisters, Mrs. Sadie Hardin of San Jose, Calif., Mrs. Hilda Britton of Clare, Mrs. Bertha Grannis, Sycamore, Mrs. Elsie Lane of Rockford and Mrs. Lillian Gascoyne of Huron, S. D. A brother, Albert Hoffman, passed away Feb. 20, 1934.

The funeral services will be accorded Wednesday morning from the home at 9:00 o’clock and from St. Mary’s Church at 9:30 with Rev. P. S. Masterson officiating. The burial will be made in Mt. Carmel Cemetery.

Mr. Hoffman was one of the most popular businessmen in the city. His straightforward, honest and cheerful manly bearing won him a host of friends. Coupled with a genial personality was good business judgment which made him a valuable member of the different committees and boards he faithfully served. Sycamore, Ill., Tribune.