PETER J. HOFFMAN

PETER J. HOFFMAN

     Peter J. Hoffman, 92, of Black River Falls, WI, passed away at his home May 28, 2024, with his wife, Jone at his side.

     Peter was born to Duane and Lavina (Briggson) Hoffman June 28, 1931, in Sparta, WI. The oldest of three siblings, Peter grew up in Black River Falls with his sister, Janet, and brother David. After graduating from Black River Falls High School, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison, where he studied business.

     While attending UW, Peter met Jone Johnson in the campus library one afternoon, and the two quickly fell in love. They were married June 19, 1954, in a double wedding with Jone’s twin sister, Jane, and her husband, Chuck Siefert.

     After obtaining a business degree from the University of Madison, Peter and Jone returned to their hometown of Black River Falls where Peter began his career at Hoffman Construction Company with his brother, David, and father, Duane. A third-generation owner of Hoffman Construction, Peter’s life revolved around his work and the road construction industry. He was diligent and ambitious and cared greatly for his co-workers. Peter was well respected in the industry.

     When he wasn’t working, Peter could often be found outdoors or at the family cabin in Hatfield, where he enjoyed sailing his Hobie Cat sailboat around Lake Arbutus or singing and strumming his banjo. Peter also made time to travel; he especially loved visiting the Grand Canyon, which he was known to hike solo.

     A classic car enthusiast, Peter admired vintage automobiles and was especially proud of his own 1954 Olds 98 Starfire convertible. Peter and Jone were avid sports fans, and in 50 years, he never missed a football or basketball game when the Badgers were playing. His love of sports also extended to the Black River Falls Tigers, of which he was a huge supporter. He also loved to sing and was a member of the United Methodist Church choir for many years.

     Peter died sober. He was proud of his 33 years of continued sobriety and felt his life was much better because of this decision. Peter had several mottos he lived his life by, including: “There’s no limit to how good life can be,” and “I wonder what good things are going to happen to me today.” Above all else, Peter loved spending time with his family and was known as an incredibly kind and generous person.

     Peter is survived by his life partner of almost 70 years, Jone Hoffman; his brother, David (Marilynn) Hoffman; his sons, Paul (Robin) Hoffman and James (Andrea) Hoffman; his grandchildren, Molly (Sébastien) Hoffman, Emily (Seth) Snitzer, William Hoffman, Isaac Hoffman, Jeremy Hoffman, Zachary (Emily) Hoffman, Amelia (Nick Hagar) Hoffman, Madelyn (Gustavo) Calderon; and great-grandchildren Mya, Ellis, Maggie, August, Aldo and Elena.

     He is predeceased by his parents, Duane and Lavina; his son, John (“Jack”), and sister Janet Krohn.

     Visitation will be held at the Black River Falls United Methodist Church Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. A memorial service will be held Friday, June 21, at the church at 11 a.m., with an hour of visitation beforehand. Pastor Inwha Shon will officiate.

     In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peter’s memory to the Black River Area Foundation.

     Thank you to the nurses of St. Croix Hospice for their great care and compassion.