Robert Hoffman

Robert "Bob" Gene Hoffman, 71, of rural Columbia City, went to Heaven to live with Jesus (as Berylnn would say) on December 26, 2017 after a brief stay at Ashton Creek Health and Rehabilitation Center. Having survived childhood polio and finally succumbing to stroke related Alzheimer's disease, he spent a lifetime fighting even until the end. Bob was born on March 18, 1946, the youngest child of Raymond and Verda (Fry) Hoffman, He spent his formative years attending Coesse Elementary and Jr High School. Bob graduated from Churubusco High School in May 1964. He then married high school sweetheart, Marsha Gaff, on November 7, 1964. Upon graduation, Bob was employed at International Harvester in Fort Wayne for almost 10 years. Bob made a career of farming and specialized as a mechanic working alongside his father, brothers and nephews at Hoffman Hillcrest Farms, Inc in Whitley County until being disabled by a stroke. Bob was a self-described Jack of all trades and master of none. An avid collector, he loved to tinker in his shed on antique tractors, classic cars and hit and miss gas engines. He loved listening to classic country music and spending time with family and friends. He had a strong faith and enjoyed offering others words of encouragement and inspiration in his "Just Bob" hand-written notes. Robert was also a member of Churubusco Church of the Nazarene. Bob is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marsha; two daughters, Deanna (John Garland) Hoffman of Churubusco and Lori (Mark) Geiger of Fort Wayne; two sons, Andrew (Erin) Hoffman of Tulsa, OK and Tyler (Kendall) Hoffman of Columbia City; blessed with grandchildren, Ciara, Clarissa, Calista and Coleman Geiger and Hannah, Audrey, Ellie, Ava, Berlynn and Baden Hoffman; two brothers, Richard and Kenneth (Ruth) Hoffman; a sister, Patty Starkey; many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by a brother, Jerry Hoffman; a sister-in-law, Carol Hoffman; a brother-in-law, David Starkey. Calling will take place at Churubusco Church of the Nazarene on Friday, December 29, 2017 from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Also calling one hour prior to the service at the church. Services will begin at 11:00 AM, at Churubusco Church of the Nazarene on Saturday, December 30, 2017. Burial will follow at Eel River Cemetery, Allen County. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Whitley County 4-H Historical Association. Special Thanks to the staff of Ashton Creek Health & Rehabilitation Center, Allen County Council on Aging and Southern Care Hospice. Online condolences to the family at www.sheetsandchilds.com.