Donald Melvin Hoffmann
December 3, 1945 — August 14, 2016
Donald Melvin Hoffmann was born at home on December 3, 1945 to Henry Frederick and Viola Rosann (Schumacher) Hoffmann, in Panama, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Panama, where he was a lifelong member. Donald attended St. Mary’s School in Panama, and graduated with the class of 1963.
Donald loved growing up on the farm with his brothers and sister and enjoyed family gatherings with his many cousins. During Donald’s high school years he played basketball and baseball for St. Mary’s School and for the Panama town teams. After high school he was drafted by the United States Army in 1965 and served during the Vietnam War as a medic. Donald honorably served his country and was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor. He was a member of American Legion Post 601 in Panama and was a very proud Army Veteran.
Upon returning home Donald was a farmer for over 20 years southwest of Panama. He then worked for G&R Grain Elevator in Portsmouth, Iowa until his retirement in 2012. He also was a member of the Panama Fire Department for a while. Donald was known to be a quiet gentle soul who was a very hard worker.
Donald enjoyed spending his time woodworking, visiting with people, playing cards, visiting the casinos, and watching television. He especially enjoyed watching old westerns and wrestling.
On September 5, 1970, Donald was united in marriage to Janice Oseka at St. Columskill in Papillion, Nebraska.
Donald died at his home surrounded by his family on August 14, 2016 following a long illness having attained the age of seventy years, eight months, and eleven days. He is preceded in death by his parents, Viola and Henry.
He is survived by his wife Janice of Panama; brothers Kenneth and his wife Delores Hoffmann of Omaha, Nebraska, Richard Hoffmann of Appleton, Wisconsin, Allen and his wife Gina Hoffmann of Panama, Iowa, Jerry and his wife Sharon Hoffmann of Panama, Iowa, and Marvin Hoffmann of Webster City, Iowa; sister Marilyn Borkowski and her husband Gary of Carroll, Iowa; many nieces and nephews; and many friends.
Donald loved growing up on the farm with his brothers and sister and enjoyed family gatherings with his many cousins. During Donald’s high school years he played basketball and baseball for St. Mary’s School and for the Panama town teams. After high school he was drafted by the United States Army in 1965 and served during the Vietnam War as a medic. Donald honorably served his country and was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor. He was a member of American Legion Post 601 in Panama and was a very proud Army Veteran.
Upon returning home Donald was a farmer for over 20 years southwest of Panama. He then worked for G&R Grain Elevator in Portsmouth, Iowa until his retirement in 2012. He also was a member of the Panama Fire Department for a while. Donald was known to be a quiet gentle soul who was a very hard worker.
Donald enjoyed spending his time woodworking, visiting with people, playing cards, visiting the casinos, and watching television. He especially enjoyed watching old westerns and wrestling.
On September 5, 1970, Donald was united in marriage to Janice Oseka at St. Columskill in Papillion, Nebraska.
Donald died at his home surrounded by his family on August 14, 2016 following a long illness having attained the age of seventy years, eight months, and eleven days. He is preceded in death by his parents, Viola and Henry.
He is survived by his wife Janice of Panama; brothers Kenneth and his wife Delores Hoffmann of Omaha, Nebraska, Richard Hoffmann of Appleton, Wisconsin, Allen and his wife Gina Hoffmann of Panama, Iowa, Jerry and his wife Sharon Hoffmann of Panama, Iowa, and Marvin Hoffmann of Webster City, Iowa; sister Marilyn Borkowski and her husband Gary of Carroll, Iowa; many nieces and nephews; and many friends.
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