Hoffman, Kenneth L. (1917-2009)

HOFFMAN, SWEET, SIEFKES, MEETER, HERRIG, FARGERHOLM, MCCONKEY

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 12/26/2009 at 13:11:38

Kenneth L. Hoffman - Apr. 09, 1917 - Feb. 27, 2009

Kenneth LeRoy Hoffman, age 91, of Spencer, Iowa and formerly of Storm Lake, Iowa, died Friday, February 27, 2009 at Spencer Hospital in Spencer, Iowa.

Kenneth was born to North Mortimer and Laura (Sweet) Hoffman on April 9, 1917 in Storm Lake, Iowa. Ken grew up on the family Centennial farm northeast of Storm Lake with his brother, Harold, and sister, Emily. He attended Truesdale schools and graduated from high school in 1935.

Kenneth was raised Methodist and converted to the Lutheran faith prior to his marriage to Helen Harjes at St. John Lutheran Church in Storm Lake on February 9, 1941. The couple was blessed with four children: Marcia, Cheryl, Steven and Bruce.

Ken enlisted in the Navy on August 13, 1941, serving during World War II on the USS Barnett as a carpenters mate. Ken received his boot training at Great Lakes, Illinois. His petty officer rating came the hard way—through active combat service—as he did not attend a navy service school. He served in both oceans and saw special action at Guadalcanal, Sicily and Italy. Ken was with the first forces to set troops ashore in the French invasion. His ship, the Barnett, is recorded as having escorted the first wave of small assault boats which set troops ashore in the D-Day invasion. He survived a suicide bombing and was honorably discharged on September 22, 1945 as a Carpenters Mate First Class. Ken received an Honorable Discharge Button, Honorable Discharge Emblem and Honorable Service Lapel Button.

In 1951, Ken and Helen became charter members of Grace Lutheran Church in Storm Lake, where Ken served on the finance board and the board of Christian education. He was also a member of the Farm Bureau.

Ken thoroughly enjoyed participating in sports throughout his life. Playing basketball and softball were his favorites—until he retired and learned to play golf. He was well-known for supervising junior sports around Truesdale and the surrounding area. He served as president of the Junior Sportsman's Club for four years, and as vice-president of the midget Junior Sportsman’s League, which included Clay, Cherokee, Pocahonas and Buena Vista counties, for several years. Coaching his children and attending the sporting events of his children and grandchildren had to be counted among his favorite pastimes, along with watching western movies and fishing.

Ken and Helen began wintering in Texas in 1967 and spent many years enjoying the southern sunshine and playing golf throughout their retirement years. Ken will be deeply missed by his family and will be forever remembered as a loving father, grandfather and friend.

Kenneth is survived by his four children: Marcia (Larry) Siefkes of Apple Valley, California; Cheryl (George) Meeter of Rockford, Michigan; Steven (Mary) Hoffman and Bruce (Barb) Hoffman, all of Storm Lake; 13 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren; niece Laura Herrig of Boone, Iowa; nephews Gerald and David Hoffman of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and special niece Connie Fargerholm of Mesa, Arizona.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his beloved wife Helen; his parents, North and Laura Hoffman; two brothers, Lyle Hoffman and Harold Hoffman; and two sisters, Opal Hoffman and Emily McConkey.

A memorial service for Mr. Hoffman will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at Grace Lutheran Church at 1407 W 5th St. in Storm Lake. In accordance with Kenneth's wishes, cremation has taken place. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.

Friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6th at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home at 1615 West Milwaukee Street in Storm Lake.

Copyright © 2009 Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home

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