Dean Hoffman

January 7, 1930 - May 4, 2021

Dean Howard Hoffman, 91, of Lubbock, departed this life on May 4, 2021. He was born in Boone, Iowa on January 7, 1930 to Marjorie (Davis) and Howard Hoffman. In 1948, he graduated from Boone High School. After graduation, he was a farmer for several years before serving the U.S. Army in Europe during the Korean War. Dean returned to Boone in 1955, where he met Imogene Carlson. They were married exactly five months later on February 5, 1956 in the Community Methodist Church in Ogden, Iowa. Dean continued farming near Boone until 1965. He moved his family to Osage, Iowa after he began work as an animal health technician/livestock inspector for the USDA. In 1972, Dean and family transferred to Lubbock where he continued his duties for the USDA. He opted to retire in 1986 to pursue his true vocations of fixing other people’s stuff, traveling, garage sales, and enjoying Imogene’s homemade cookies. Dean was a jack-of-all-trades and his talents were never limited. He was a self-made electrician, plumber, roofer, automotive expert, lawn care pro, and just an overall scavenger and tinkerer! For many years, he became Santa Claus during the holiday season and brought joy to children and families all over Lubbock. Dean developed a love for baking and was quite proud to share his famous pecan pie, zucchini bread or gingersnaps with family and friends. He was a gentle man and he never met a stranger. He loved nothing more than to have a conversation with you. His cheerful chuckle was contagious and he had a sparkle in his eye. His heart was big but his acts of service were bigger. He would do anything for anyone—and he did just that! He was an active member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and the Harmony Sunday school class for 44 years. Dean leaves four children behind to cherish and share sweet memories: Brenda Hook and husband John of Fort Smith, AR; Kent Hoffman and wife Carmen of Firestone, CO; Brent Hoffman and wife Jana of Lubbock; and Linda Archer and husband Donnell of Lubbock. He was very proud of his nine grandchildren: Joshua Rusnak, Jessica Rusnak; Billy Hoffman, Jennifer Hoffman, Russell Hoffman; Brittany (Hoffman) Furgeson, Blake Hoffman; Lindsay (Archer) Gossett and Kirby Archer. In the most recent years, Dean’s pride and joy were his six great-grandchildren. His parents, his beloved wife Imogene, and his brother Kenyon Hoffman preceded him in death. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations may be made to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3708 45th Street, Lubbock, TX 79413 or to the Carillon Foundation Scholarship Fund, 1717 Norfolk Avenue, Lubbock, TX 79416. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, May 7, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, (45th and Memphis) in Lubbock with Dr. Andy Hurst officiating. Interment will be at the Squire Boone Cemetery in Boone, Iowa on Monday, May 10, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.