Obituary: Duane Hoffman

Duane Arnold Hoffman, 88, died Saturday, May 30, 2020 after a short stay of four days at Ave Maria Village, Jamestown, N.D. Funeral services were held Friday, June 5 for immediate family only at New Life Fellowship Church, rural Tolna, N.D.

Pastor Jeff Kapelle officiated with special music by Amy and Lucas Stangeland, Carol Kapelle and a duet by Joslyn Hoyt and Cassidy Hoyt. Casket bearers were Brian Hoffman, Nick Hoffman, Preston Hoffman, Aaron Ehlers and Brad Hoffman. Honorary bearers were Andrew Peterson and Ryan Peterson. Military Honors were provided by the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team.

Duane was born Feb. 12, 1932 in Foster County, N.D., the son of Samuel and Bertha (Martin) Hoffman of rural Grace City, N.D., where he grew up working the land and milking cows. Duane attended a country school until eighth grade when he, at the age of 13, began working as a farmhand for a neighbor, Ervin Topp.

In 1952, he was drafted into the army during the Korean War. After serving one year, nine months and 20 days, he was honorably discharged with a Korean Service Medal, three bronze service stars, a United Nations Service Medal, and a National Defense Service Medal; however, if you knew Duane, you wouldn't know of his medals of honor as he did not like to talk about the war.

Duane married Alvena C. Bergstad on June 14, 1954. Together, they made a home and farmstead for their family west of McHenry, N.D. Laboring side-by-side, along with their five children, they worked the land growing crops, making hay, milking cows in the early years, and raising beef cattle.

Duane is survived by his five children, Randall Hoffman, Elgin, N.D., Marsha (Bob) Boettcher, Warwick, N.D., Mark (Deanne) Hoffman, Sutton, N.D., Joel (Janelle) Hoffman, McHenry, N.D. and Sharon (Bobby) Hoyt, McHenry, N.D.; 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; one sister, Ora (Cyril) Peterson, Canyon Lake, Calif.; one brother, Rodney (Cheryl) Hoffman, Hillsboro, N.D.; and many special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Alvena; two grandsons, Andrew Pedersen & Ryan Pedersen; his parents; his twin sister, Doris (Darrel) Williams; one brother, Ray Hoffman; two sisters, Cora Galt and Gladys Black; three close cousins.

Lord, I believe in you. Help me to have faith to believe in your supernatural power to intercede in any situation today. Amen.

Arrangements made by Evans Funeral Home, N.D.