Leo Louis HOFFMAN

HOFFMAN, KREMLING, KREMLLING, WRIGHT, GEITS, BANGS, MILLS, DUNS, NUTTER, FOX, WILLS

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 1/2/2012 at 19:35:10

June 24, 1895 --- May 9, 1924

World War I Vet

Young Business Man of Dows Passes Away After a Brief Illness

Leo Louis Hoffman, the son of Louis and Anna (Kremlling) Hoffman, was born at Dows, Iowa, on June 25th 1895, where he has continuously lived until death claimed him on May 9th, 1924, at age of 28 years, 10 months and 14 days. He received his education at the Dows public schools and while not at school, he as a boy, assisted his father in the harness and carriage business learning the trade of harness maker. He offered his services and life to his county in the late World's War, entering the service on February 26, 1918 and served until honorably discharged about a year later. His life in the service was an exemplary one and his record in the army is one to which the loved ones left behind can point with pride.

Some ten years ago his father retired from active work, selling the business to Leo who has very successfully carried it on until his decease with the exception of the year spent in the service when his father was in charge. On October 14, 1919 he was united in marriage with Claribel Wright of Dows, Iowa, who with his father, Louis Hoffman of Dows, and two sisters, Mrs. May Geits of Edingtoa, Minn, and Mrs. Pearl Bangs of Dows, are left to mourn the loss of a devoted husband, loving son and brother together with many relatives and a host of friends for all who knew him loved and esteemed him. His mother died when he was seven years of age, her place being filled by his sisters, May and Pearl, who tenderly reared and cared for his and was to him both sister and mother.

The deceased was a member of the Watson-Beach Post of the American Legion, Star Lodge No. 269, Knights of Phythias, Dows Camp No 4079, M. W. A. and the Dows Fire Department. His death was a great shock to the entire community where he has lived since his birth and by whom he was universally loved and respected. Two weeks ago he was at his place of business in usual health. On April 28th he suffered a severe attack of pneumonia and despite the best medical skill, nursing and all that tender loving hand could do he was unable to throw off the dread disease and passed away after an illness of only 12 days.

Those from out of town who attended the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. John Hoffman and sons, John and Leo of Atlantic, Mr. and Mrs. C. Mills of Griswold, Mr. and Mrs. Duns, and Mr. and Mrs. Dick Nutter and family of Marshalltown, Henry Hoffman of Henderson, Mrs. Louis Fox of Macedonia, Garfield Wills and family of Allison, Mr. and Mrs. Wright of Marshalltown, Mr. Joe Wright of Canada, and Mr. Ernest Wright of Emington, Ill.

While in business he adopted the methods and maintained the same policies of his father based upon the highest principles of honesty, integrity and fair dealing with all, which for more than a third of a century has made the name of Hoffman the trade mark for good merchandise and workmanship and place it in the front rank of our substantial and honorable tradesmen. Leo, as he was known by all, was a rather quiet retiring young man, but was always ready to do his share in promoting the business and social life of Dows. He was greatly attached to his home and friends, enjoyed their companionship and was genial and warm hearted to those who knew him best.

The military funeral, conducted under the auspices of Watson-Beach Post, American Legion of Dows was attended by more than 1500 who came to pay their last respect to the memory of their young friend and patriot. The services were most impressive, the casket draped with our country's flag was borne upon a caisson drawn by four horses and escorted by more than sixty of his comrades in Army and Naval uniform and by thirty-three members of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Legion. Services were held at the Presbyterian church, the address delivered by Rev. Harold Tomkinson of Forest City a former Chaplain in the Canadian Army, was a very eloquent and touching tribute to the deceased and to our flag.

Interment was at Fairview Cemetery where the firing squad gave the last salute over the grave of their beloved comrade, taps were sounded and the body tenderly place in its last mortal resting place. The floral offering, although costly and beautiful, was but a feeble expression of the esteem and affection in which Leo was held by all who knew him.

Dows Advocate - Dows, Iowa
May 1924