Kenneth Allen Hoffman

Kenneth Allen Hoffman, 79, of North Fort Myers, Florida—formerly of Esko and Cloquet, Minnesota—passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in the midst of cancer treatment. 

Ken was born on December 12, 1946, to Mildred (Virnig) and Alex Hoffman and grew up in Proctor, Minnesota. He graduated from Proctor High School in 1964 and later earned a Bachelor's degree in English Education from the College of St. Thomas. While the majority of his working years were spent as an insurance adjuster, Ken enjoyed his early retirement years substitute teaching and working at Sappi Paper in Cloquet, Minnesota. 

Ken’s greatest pride was his family, children, and grandchildren. He welcomed family gatherings and could always be found in the audience or on the sidelines—at accordion concerts, radio-controlled boat races, Esko softball, baseball, football and hockey games—cheering quietly with a big smile. Becoming a grandpa was one of his greatest joys, and he loved every minute of it. 

A gifted craftsman, Ken helped build each of his children their homes and generously shared his talents with family, friends, and neighbors whenever anyone asked. He enjoyed tending to his bluebirds, fishing (or as he preferred to say, catching), golfing with the Senior FROGS, shooting trap, and showing off his dancing skills to his favorite tune, the E-I-E-I-O polka. While in Florida, his days were filled with afternoons at the pool, working on his house, tending his plants, weekly cribbage games, and visiting with just about everyone in Old Bridge Village—many of whom quickly became friends. 

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sharon; brothers, William “Dale” and Roger; and sisters-in-law, Shirlene and Kathleen. 

He is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Bridget (Jim) Peterson and Brianna (Jason) Johnson; son, Benjamin; grandchildren, Mason and Reese Peterson, Makayla Hoffman, and Jayce and Jaster Johnson; his siblings, Fr. Dennis, Daniel, Judith, Diane, Alex (Jill) Hoffman, and Sheila (Shawn) Chinn; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were better for having known him 

A service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at St. Rose Catholic Church in Proctor, Minnesota. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., with Fr. Dennis Hoffman, Ken’s brother, and Fr. Peter Hughes, his nephew presiding. A social gathering will follow the service.