November 15, 1929 – Thursday, August 24, 2017
Service Information
Resurrection Lutheran Church, Monticello, MN
Friday, September 1, 2017
11:00 AM
Visitation Information
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo,MN
Thursday, August 31, 2017
4-8 PM
Francis Albert Hoffman, age 87 of Buffalo, died Thursday, August 24, 2017 at the Centra Care Home of Monticello. He was born Friday, November 15, 1929, the middle child of Albert and Leah (Marquette) Hoffman in Chatham Township delivered by Dr. Sweezy.
Francis Hoffman and Evangeline Lambert were united in marriage in 1948, to them four children were born, they later divorced. Francis Hoffman then married Shirley (Bauer) Lambert, to them two daughters were born; he also raised Shirley’s three sons.
Throughout his life, he hauled junk from around Minnesota and the Dakotas, and was in the Hoffman Bros. Sod business for many years with his brothers, and later his nephews and his children joined the business.
He loved hauling junk and had many trucks over the years, he also did this with some of his friends and cousins. His boom trucks were his favorites.
Francis and his brother, John, spent time working in Alaska in the early 1950’s, and again working with his son, Russ, and grandchildren in Russell’s mines in Alaska in the 1980’s.
He also hauled grain and for the Green Giant Company, hauling canned goods out of Le Sueur and other towns during the 1960’s.
Francis loved country music and came from a family of very talented singers and musicians including himself. Many times, he would sing the song “The Long Black Veil” by Lefty Frizzell.
He is survived by children Darlene (Roger) Hartneck of Annandale, MN, Russell (Sheila) Hoffman of Copper Center, AK Sherry (Wade) Husom of Bailey, CO, Tracy (Dan) Provo of Monticello, MN; step sons Joe (Cindy Gross) Lambert of Stacy, MN, Terry (Leslie) Lambert of Maple Lake, MN, and Tom (Maria) Lambert of Copper Center, AK; twenty three grandchildren, fifty four great grandchildren, fourteen great great grandchildren; 9 step grandchildren; 12 step great grandchildren; sister-in-law Laura Mae Hoffman of Buffalo, MN; brother-in-law Jim (Shirley) Bauer of Annandale, MN; also many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Francis was preceded in death by his parents; both of his wives; son Ricky Hoffman; daughter Diane Bassham; great great grandson; sister Irene “Polly” Stumpf and brothers John, Edward and Charles.
Visitation for Francis will be held Thursday, August 31 from 4-8 p.m. at The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo.
Funeral service will be Friday, September 1 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation continuing one hour prior to the service at Resurrection Lutheran Church of Monticello. Luncheon to follow at church.
Officiating is Pastor Lee Evenson.
Casket bearers are Tom Scheiber, Clint Provo, John Stumpf, Donald Stumpf, Daniel Husom, Colton Husom, Chad Lambert and Aaron Lambert
Private family interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery of Waverly.
Serving the family…
The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN
Grandpa was so strong for years, I remember growing up spending time with him and grandma. Every time I visited you, you would always tell me stories about your life and our family. You didn’t remember me every time, but I knew it wasn’t your fault. Then, when we brought up papa Joe you knew who we were, and referred him to “Joey” and told us stories about him growing up. I remember when me and mom (Lauri Lambert) came to see you on your birthday and you told her “you have a very beautiful daughter”, and it made my day! I knew I should’ve came and saw you before I lefted but I felt it would be too hard on me to do so.. and now I’m him a regret it everyday for the rest of my life. I just hope you understand why me and mom can’t make it..I love you and miss you. You will be forever and always in our hearts. You and grandma better not cause any trouble up there! Because I’m gonna be watching as much as you are! xoxo RIP
Grandpa.. you’ll always be remembered! You were so strong so many years. Every time me and my mom (Lauri Lambert) came and saw you were so happy, even though you didn’t quiet remember us. Then, when we mentioned Papa Joe or Joseph you would say “Joey” and remember who we were. I just miss you so much! I knew I should’ve came an saw but I didn’t think I could handle it. I love you. You and grandma stay outta trouble up there, were all gonna be watching just as much as you! Rest In Peace. Xoxo
So sad about the passing of Uncle Francis. I have so many great memories of him…He was such and thoughtful caring individual! He helped check over an equipment trailer before I bought it years ago and it always meant so much to me…A great man that will be missed by all!..
Heaven’s gained a good man!