Jackie Roy “Jack” Hoffman was born to Elvin Roy Hoffman and Goldie (Kubicek) Hoffman on Nov. 4, 1948, at Warren Memorial Hospital in Friend, and passed away Sept. 10, 2025, at Ridgewood Rehab and Care Center in Seward, at the age of 76 years, 10 months and 6 days. He was an only child.
Jack spent his early years on a farm near Milligan, until age three. The family then moved to a farm seven miles south of Friend. He lived there until July 2025, when he moved to Ridgewood in Seward. Jack attended District 52, a country school, from kindergarten through eighth grade before continuing his education at Friend Public Schools, graduating in 1967. After high school, he joined the Navy and was first stationed in San Diego, where he attended machinist school. In 1969, he was transferred to Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., where he served in the motor pool. Jack was honorably discharged in 1970 and returned home to farm alongside his parents until their retirement.
Jack was married to Beth Christenson of Beaver Crossing on Dec. 15, 1978, and to them, three children were born: Jenny, Joe, and Dustin.
Jack served as the commander of the Friend American Legion and as a member of the Friend Public School Board for several years. He also led the Friend Rural Fire Board as its president for many years. Jack had a wide range of interests – he loved attending consignment sales and farm auctions, collecting Christmas lights from garage sales and sharing stories about his children and grandchildren. A fan of sprint car racing, he especially enjoyed watching and participating with his three children.
In the early 1980s, Jack earned his certified pilot’s license and spent many hours flying his plane. Music was another passion of his. He played the tuba throughout high school and continued performing with various polka bands after high school. As the years went on, Jack could often be found cheering at his grandchildren’s events. He was also known for making time to stop along the road to catch up on neighborhood news.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Elvin and Goldie Hoffman; aunt, Albie Hoffman; and uncle, Clarence (Bud) Hoffman.
Jack is survived by his loving wife, Beth Hoffman of Friend; daughter, Jenny Frevert and her husband, Brad, along with their three daughters, Lila, Violette, and Dottie all of Seward; son, Joe Hoffman and his wife, Jessica, and their three children, Dean, Heath, and Catherine, all of Hoyt, Kansas; son, Dustin Hoffman and his wife, Mollie, and their son, Myles, also of Hoyt; cousins, Dean and Danny Hoffman; as well as countless friends and neighbors who will cherish his memory.
The funeral service was Sept. 17. A graveside service with military honors was held in the Bohemian National Cemetery at Milligan. Military honors were performed by the Friend American Legion Ford-Banka Post 183 and the United States Navy Honor Guard. Memorial contributions are suggested to the family for future designation.
Arrangments by Farmer & Son Funeral Home.
