Henry "Hank" R. Hoffmann

Henry R. “Hank” Hoffmann, 80 of Hampshire passed away December 6, 2022, while in Hospice. In the last days of his life he was surrounded by his loving family almost 24/7, enjoyed movie nights with his grandchildren and was able to celebrate Thanksgiving. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry P. Hoffmann Jr. and Mary Hoffmann (Williams). He is survived by his children Jean Marie Hoffmann, Robert (Carrie)Hoffmann, his friend Gerilynn Schlichting, her son James Lohr and his grandchildren William Hoffmann and Heather Hoffmann. He was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 13, 1942, and was an only child as his mother died during childbirth. In his 8th grade yearbook he noted his favorite song was “My Prayer” by the Platters, he wanted to attend West Point, would be attending George Westinghouse H.S. and wanted to be a Policeman. During his childhood he spent summers with his mother’s family in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania and enjoyed fishing. As he grew older he liked working on cars and living on the edge drag racing his 1960 Chevy Impala 409 which was also one of his favorite Beach Boys songs, “409”. He graduated H.S., attended community college for a few semesters and at age 19 began working as a baggage handler on the ramp for United Airlines at JFK Airport. This would be his only employer. His career is truly an example of how hard work and determination to succeed in life pays off. He was promoted to a Pilot Crew Scheduler and accepted a transfer to United Airlines’ Corporate Office in Elk Grove, Village, IL in 1979. The “windy city” Chicago winters got to him and he set his sights on some palm trees accepting a position in Florida and residing in Coral Gables for 18 months. Due to suspected downsizing he traded the palm trees for snow and transferred back to Illinois, residing in Schaumburg. He was later promoted to Flight Operations Manager overseeing the Pilot Crew Schedulers who handled all United Pilot scheduling. In the early 80’s he was instrumental in developing a computer program for United Airlines, received an award and his picture was displayed on the monitors at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. When he wasn’t working he enjoyed playing Volleyball on the Church of the Holy Spirit team, bowling, watching his children play soccer and taking his birthday month of August off every year to work on his tan at the community pool. United Airlines had an annual company picnic in which he was undefeated playing horseshoes each year. He enjoyed flying the “Friendly Skies” often to New York, Tennessee, Arizona, Cayman Islands and his favorite place to visit was Maui where he enjoyed watching the sunset and listening to the bongo drums with the other beach goers. He was an avid gun collector his whole life and his knowledge of guns was amazing. He attended numerous gun shows in Wheaton, Kane County, McHenry County and Rockford. After retiring at age 57 he turned his hobby into a business opening The Gun Shop in Burlington, IL. He spent many a Saturday with frequent visitors to his store who came to see his inventory as well as to enjoy his personality and humor. He also served on the Village of Hampshire’s Zoning Board. In 2011 his battle with one of the 4 cancers that he would develop began and he had half of his left lung removed after which he made a full recovery. We were lucky to have him in our lives from that point onward and it seemed every 3 years he received another cancer diagnosis. Thankfully, he responded well to treatment and he remained independent until the last 54 days of his life. He was a fighter who never gave up, never let his illness get him down and always had a sense of humor and a smile. We will miss his beautiful blue eyes and his caring and giving nature always. Visitation will be on Sunday, December 11, at Frederick Funeral Home, 284 Park St. Hampshire from 1 to 7 PM and will continue on Monday December 12, at Christ Lutheran Church 600 N. Main St. Stockton from 10 until the 11 AM Funeral Service. Burial will follow in the Ladies Union Cemetery, Stockton.

Henry "Hank" R. Hoffmann

August 13, 1942 - December 6, 2022