John W. Hoffman

John Wayne Hoffman, 81, of Villa Grove, passed away on Tuesday, May 20, at the Carlinville Area Hospital in Carlinville, IL surrounded by family who loved him dearly.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

John was born March 30, 1944, at Jarman Hospital in Tuscola, IL, to Richard Paul and Beulah Irene (Coslet) Hoffman.

John is survived by his daughters Laura (Ronald) Herring and Kate (Andy) Harding. He leaves behind four beloved grandchildren Aaron John Herring, Payton Elizabeth Harding, Makenna Leigh Harding, and Quincy Morgan Harding; two brothers, Don (Dee Ann) Hoffman of Pesotum and Kevin (Leisa) Hoffman of Camargo; two sisters, Karen (Tom) Felkner of Villa Grove and Sandy (Steve) Williams of Tolono; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother Dean (Jane) Hoffman, and his infant son Aaron Daniel.

John attended grade school in Murdock, IL and graduated from Newman High School in 1962. He married Deneen Rae Schmidt on June 26, 1971 who blessed him with his two daughters.

John held a variety of jobs out of high school including working for the railroad. He worked at the University of Illinois Small Animal Clinic in Urbana for over 30 years until he retired in 2001.

John loved spending time with his family and friends. His children and grandchildren brought him so much joy over the years and he would always be their biggest fan. He could always brighten your day with a kind word or a smile. He enjoyed watching westerns, the Chicago Cubs, shopping on Ebay and Amazon, and predicting the weather. He was pretty good at three of those things. He loved all sports and if you knew John, you know that fastpitch softball was his favorite. He spent countless hours and many late nights at the ballpark. He was able to travel the country watching his youngest daughter play ball and had the privilege to coach at Parkland College. He coached many teams over the years and met so many wonderful players and families along the way. He loved coaching and helping his players succeed not only on the field, but in life. When life got tough, he loved to say, “I am who I am and that’s all that I am,” reminding us all to stay true to yourself and never give up.  

John’s services will be held Saturday, May 31, at the Joines Funeral Home, 1375 IL-130 in Villa Grove. Visitation will be held from 10am-12pm, followed by a Celebration of Life Service with Pastor Richard Hoffman officiating. A private burial will be held at Murdock Cemetery, Murdock, IL at a later date.

Memorials can be made to the Villa Grove Community Center, Murdock Cemetery, or a donor of your choice.

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