Hoffa, Daniel C. (1923-2007)

HOFFA, BOIKE, FALL, SCHILLINGER, MENTER

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 3/11/2008 at 10:25:48

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, October 22, 2007

Daniel C. Hoffa, 84, of Le Mars, died Friday, Oct. 19, 2007. at his home in Le Mars.

Daniel Christopher Hoffa was born Sept. 5, 1923, in Grundy County, Iowa the son of Jacob D. and Minnie (Boike) Hoffa. At the age of 15, Dan graduated from Grundy Center High School in 1939. He attended Marshalltown Business College for two years. While attending school, Dan worked at a local funeral home and a cafe, delivered newspapers and worked as a janitor to pay for his schooling. Dan served his country during World War II in the United States Army stationed at various bases throughout the country. Prior to being discharged, Dan was assigned to the Separation Center at Fort Dix. He attained the rank of Master Sergeant. He served in the reserves from 1946 to 1949.

Following his discharge from the Army, Dan attended the University of Iowa from 1946 until his graduation in 1950. He served as the president of the Delta Sigma Pi Fraternity. He was the sales and business manager of the Iowa Hawkeye Yearbook, conceived and developed the University of Iowa Job Placement Bureau, and was recognized by the Finkbine Organization as an outstanding senior for promoting and developing improvements in the University of Iowa College of Commerce.

Dan was united in marriage to Jane Ellen Fall on April 15, 1951, at the Fall home in Burlington.

Dan began his career with B.F. Goodrich in 1951 as a store manager. He later became a credit manager and then was promoted to midwest credit manager. Dan and his family lived in several cities throughout the midwest. He retired from B.F. Goodrich in 1980. He and Jane purchased Lynn's Card and Gift Shop in Le Mars in 1981. They devoted great effort to maintaining the health of downtown Le Mars and eventually opened two other retail stores in the downtown. They operated these stores until retirement in 1996.

Dan was a devout Christian and was always active in all the churches of which he was a member. He was a member of Lions International in Le Mars and the Wasmer American Legion Post #241 of Le Mars.

He enjoyed playing golf and watching sports on television; especially his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Jane of Le Mars; two sons and daughters-in-law, Daniel C. and Esther Hoffa of Indianola, and Robert J. and Debra Hoffa of Indianapolis, Ind.; a daughter and son-in-law, Sara J. and Ernie Schillinger of Johnston; seven grandchildren: Rhiannon, Angela, Christina, Elizabeth, Jessica, Kimberly, and Matthew.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob D. and Minnie (Boike) Hoffa; a sister, Margaret Menter; and a brother, Merle Hoffa.

Memorial services will be at 7 p.m. today (Monday) at the Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars with the Rev. Drew Tomberlin officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Wasmer American Legion Post #241 of Le Mars. Dan will be cremated and his cremains will be buried at the Burlington Memorial Park Cemetery, Burlington. Visitation will be after 3 p.m. Monday with the family present after 6 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Siouxland.