James Lawrence Hoffman

James  Lawrence  Hoffman,  85, passed away April 4, 2019, at his home in rural Chatfield.

James was born July 11, 1933, in Minneapolis, to Frank and Gudrun (Clausen) Hoffman.  James grew up in Freeport, MN   where his parents owned the drug store for many years.  He graduated from Melrose High School in 1951, and then  attended St. John’s University in Collegeville MN.  James enlisted in the Army and served in Korea from 1955 to 1957.

On August 4, 1962, he married Mary Imdieke at Sacred Heart Parish in Freeport, MN.

After teaching high school in Sheboygan, WI, and La Crosse, WI, he started with IBM in Omaha, NE, later transferring to Rochester, MN, where he worked until 1992.

Jim and Mary lived for many years while their children were growing up in Kings Park Oronoco, MN, along the Zumbro River.  After retirement they spent many wonderful years in Cave City, Arkansas, until returning to Minnesota in rural Chatfield in 2008.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary; children Tessa Schweitzer of St. Charles, MN, and Eric (Jen) Hoffman of Middleton WI; sister Annemarie (Richard) Holley of Freemont, CA;  and grandchildren Erin, Emma, Joe Hoffman; Erich Schweitzer; and Nolan and Carson Hess.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Gudrun Hoffman and beloved daughter, Mara Hess.

Memorial  Mass will be at 11 a.m.  Friday April, 12, 2019, at St. Mary’s  Catholic Church in Chatfield, with visitation being one hour prior to the service at church.  Burial will follow the services at MN State Veterans Cemetery in Preston at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in memory of James L. Hoffman,  to a charity or community organization of your choice.