Kenneth L. Hoffman, age 70, passed away on Sept. 27, 2014, after a brief stay with Aseracare Hospice in Antigo, WI.
Kenneth was born on May 14, 1944 to Karl and Ruth (Thoreson) Hoffman in New London, WI. Following his graduation from New London High School, he went first to the University of Alabama on a full-ride scholarship from Paul “Bear” Bryant and later attended the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. In Eau Claire, he played football on the 1963-1964 football squad where the Bluegolds went undefeated that year. In 1967, he married Nancy Juedes, together they had two children, Michael and Andrea. He spent the next 12 years working in the appraisal business and raising his children. Nancy preceded him in death in 1982. Also in 1982, Kenneth left Laird Appraisal and started his own business, Hoffman Appraisal Service. Kenneth worked for various municipalities across the State of Wisconsin. In 1994, Kenneth married Sherri Schlapper from Spooner, WI. She preceded him death in 2008. In 1996, Kenneth received a true gift of life with a liver transplant from the University of Wisconsin Transplant Clinic. His family is forever grateful to the family of the donor and the staff at the hospital for giving us the extra time we had with Ken! In September of 2011, Kenneth married Jane Deau from Merrill, WI. Jane proposed to Ken, her “Kenny,” on the Brooklyn Bridge on 10/10/10. He often compared this to a “terrorist attack” but he loved her dearly. They were married in Rhinelander, WI, surrounded by love and family. In 2012, Kenneth “retired” from the appraisal business, but still worked full-time helping his son-in-law with the business.
Ken lived his life to the fullest. His optimism and larger than life personality inspired his children. Ken purchased his cabin in hopes of making his “house a home” surrounded by family and friends. This is what was truly important to him. Ken would imply, “why have something so beautiful if it can’t be shared with others?” He loved exploring new routes wherever he traveled, enjoyed his annual fishing trips with his brother and brother-in-law to Canada, taking hunting trips with his family, reading, four wheeling and spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. Ken loved his family to no limits. His all-encompassing bear hugs, hugs that would take your breath away, will be missed.
Ken is survived by his loving wife, Jane Deau; son, Michael Hoffman; daughter, Andrea (Terry) Hoffman-Vosburgh; stepchildren, Marie (Chris) Peterson, Carrie (Spiro) Avouris, Chris and Craig Schlapper; granddaughters, Miranda Vosburgh and Greta Peterson; grandsons, Alec Vosburgh and Garik Peterson; brother, Jim (Cheryl) Hoffman; sister, Carol (Joseph) Prohaska; nephews, Craig (Tracy) Hoffman, Paul (Karla) Hoffman, Peter (Stephanie) Prohaska and Ben Prohaska; niece, Jodie Prohaska (Scott Haugen), as well as several great nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Ken will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4, at Waid Funeral Home at 10 a.m. The Rev. Kari Vadis will officiate. Visitation will be on Friday, Oct. 3, at Waid Funeral Home from 4-8 p.m. and again on Saturday, Oct. 4, beginning at 9 a.m. until the time of the service – also at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park in Wausau.
In lieu of cards and flowers, the family asks that you place an organ donation sticker on your drivers license.
Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.waidfuneral.com.