Obit: Hoffmann, James W. (1945 - 2015)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Barqenquast Dettloff, Faucher, Hoffmann, Jeske, Kelly, Kenney, Kopp, Phillips, Williams

----Source: The Tribune - Phonograph (Abbotsford, WI) 1/24/2015

Hoffmann, James “Jim” W. (15 MAR 1945 - 2 JAN 2015)

James “Jim” W. Hoffmann, 69, died on Friday, January 2, 2015. He passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family. Memorial service will be held January 9, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Owen. Visitation will be at 10:00AM until the time of the service.

Jim was born on March 15, 1945 in Colby, Wisconsin to Edmund and Sadie (Barqenquast) Hoffmann.

He married his then wife, Barbara Kopp on February 19, 1966. As a young man, Jim ran the family farm until he moved to Chicago. There he worked as a carpenter and iron worker. He built highways and high rises for 35 years before retiring to Northern Wisconsin.

Jim spent his later years living north of Owen, and although retired, his craftsmanship and ingenuity remained evident in the way he maintained the property that he called home. Jim was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman. He was most alive in the woods; you’d usually find him on his tractor or four wheeler tending to his pond, trails, or food plots.

Jim was a hunter, but also held a high esteem for all animals and loved to feed and watch his deer and birds. He had a special spot in his heart for his beloved dogs, Chester and Huck. He was an excellent cook and enjoyed being in the kitchen that he kept well stocked with fresh vegetables from his gardens. Whatever produce he couldn’t use, he gave, to those who shared his appreciation for quality.

Jim had a quick wit and a gruff tone that was outmatched only by the twinkle in his eye. He was well liked by many for his sense of humor, his easy going nature and his love for a good time. He was a packer fan especially when they played the Bears. When not watching the Packer games, he enjoyed listening and dancing to old classic country music. He loved his family beyond measure. He had a full and happy life surrounded by those he loved. He will be missed by so many.

Jim is survived by his significant other, Lee Kenney, Owen: four children: Tammy (Charles) Phillips, Anniston, AL; Amy Dettloff, Owen; Jim Hoffmann, Medford; and Thomas (Martha) Hoffmann, Curtiss: fourteen grandchildren: Ruben, Jeremy, Ashley, Amanda, Katie, Kyle, Cody, Jackie, Sarah, Travis, Samantha, Tommy Jr, Luke, and Andrew: 13 great-grandchildren, and three sisters: Shirley (Jim) Faucher, Ida (Bob) Jeske, and Caroline (Tom) Williams. He is further survived by Patrick Kelly who was treated as a son.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, Donald and ex-wife Barbara Kopp.