Hoffman, Kenneth Charles 1934-2023

HOFFMAN, GODFREY, NAVRKAL

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/22/2023 at 21:44:21

Kenneth Hoffman, 88, of Westfield, Iowa, passed away Monday, April 17, 2023, at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2023, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Akron. Reverend Paul Nguyen will celebrate Mass with Deacon Richard Port assisting. Burial will follow at the Westfield Township Cemetery in Westfield, Iowa. Visitation with the family present will begin after the Parish Rosary at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 21, 2023, at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Akron. There will be Scriptural Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Arrangements are with the Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Akron, Iowa.

Kenneth Charles Hoffman, the son of Ray Sr. and Nellie Marie (Godfrey) Hoffman, was born June 20, 1934, on the family farm near Westfield, Iowa. He attended Minor Country School in Plymouth County, Iowa, and later high school in Westfield. While in high school, Ken enjoyed boxing, and many called him “Rough and Ready”. He graduated from Westfield High School in 1952. Following high school, Ken worked for area farmers.

While at a dance in Sioux City, he met the love of his life, a “wild” girl from Waterbury, Nebraska named Katherine Navrkal. They were united in marriage on June 2, 1955. The couple made their home in Plymouth County. After working for area farmers, he and Katherine began farming on their own in 1956. They raised livestock and milked cows. Ken enjoyed watching his sons become the farmers they are today. He helped whenever he could.

Ken was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Akron. He was also a member of Farm Bureau. He enjoyed watching his grandsons wrestle. He also enjoyed boxing in his younger years. He and Katherine attended many dances over the years. One of his greatest joys was tractor pulling. Ken started pulling in 1966 and has been doing it ever since. His family is now in their 3rd generation of tractor pullers. He loved pulling his John Deere 6030, it was his pride and joy. His greatest love was his family, he loved family get togethers, many of which involved playing cards, including “man or mouse”.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 67 years, Katherine of Westfield; a daughter, Kathy (Randy) Solomon of Sioux City, IA; a son, Steve (Sheila) Hoffman of Westfield, IA; a son, Ron (Marcy) Hoffman of Westfield, IA; a son in law, Randy Watterson of Sioux City, IA; 16 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; his sister, Betty Van Wyk of Ireton, IA; his brother, Don Hoffman of Akron, IA; his in laws: Ray (Dorothy) Navrkal of Denver, CO, Frank (Lois) Navrkal of Sioux City, IA, Mel (Jennie) Navrkal of Wakefield, NE, Irene Uhl of Vergas, MN, Stella Navrkal of Sioux City, IA, and Betty Hoffman of Elk Point, SD; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father and mother-in-law, Frank and Julia Navrkal; his beloved daughter, Karen Watterson; his siblings: Ida (Lloyd) Searls, Goldie (Art) Friskie, Lloyd “Gene” Hoffman, and Ray Hoffman Jr.; and two granddaughters in infancy, Grace Christensen and Aurora Langel.

Rexwinkel Funeral Home
Akron, Iowa