Date of Death: September 24, 2023
Service Details
Visitation will be held Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 215 N. Main St., Three Rivers. A memorial service will follow at noon at the church with Rev. Derl Keefer officiating. He will be laid to rest in Moorepark Cemetery at a later date.
Obituary Notice
Dale Joseph Hoffman, 86, of Three Rivers, passed away Sunday, September 24, 2023.
He was born December 16, 1936 in Maybee, Michigan, the son of Joseph and Ruth (Meffert) Hoffman; following the death of his father, the family moved to Ann Arbor where he graduated from St. Thomas Catholic High School.
Dale worked as a deputy and later a lieutenant for the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department, then worked for General Motors until his retirement.
On May 18, 1963 he married Mary E. French in Ann Arbor; the couple moved to Three Rivers in 1979.
Dale attended First United Methodist Church and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife of 60 years, Mary Hoffman; daughters, Julie (Duane) Hoffman-Hoxie and Jennifer (Arthur) Bartrug; grandchildren, Luke, Isabella, and Maxwell Hoxie; brother, Lee Hoffman; sister, June (William) O’neil; step-sister, Ann Agelger.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Hoffman.
Additional Information
Donations in Dale’s memory may be directed to Centrica Care Navigators or First United Methodist Church. Envelopes will be available at the church and at the funeral home.
Please Leave Your Condolences
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Dale and I had been friends for fifty-eight years. When I started working as Security Officer at the General Motors Hydramatic Plant at Willow Run, Michigan. Dale became a Sergeant then the departments Investigator. When Hydramatic opened the Three Rivers Plant Dale was chosen to be the Chief of Security. I was a Sergeant and Dale asked to have me bring a crew out to train his Officers.
I also have an example of his sense of humor. The Michigan State Marching Band had come to Three Rivers on their way to Notre Dame and performed at half time of the Three Rivers football game. Three Rivers band parents were asked provide a place for MSU’s Band Members to sleep and have breakfast. I had two kids in the band and Dale and Mary asked to have them stay at their place. My kids knew that Dale was an avid U of M fan so they took a MSU flag with them and planned to hang it on his garage door. So just before breakfast they took their flag out to do so. Some how Dale sensed what they were up to and he took their breakfast and put it on the front porch and locked the door. They could not get back into the house and had to eat their breakfast on the porch. That was 40 years ago but they still remember it when ever Dale is mentioned.
To Mary and the Hoffman family that i truly love. Praying for the peace of God at this time.
Death leave a heartache that no one can heal.
Love leave a memory that no one can steal.
You can cry because he died or you can smile because he lived. There is no reason you can’t do both. Cry because he will be missed and smile because you have so many loving memories.
I will also cry and smile, because of my many memories. Love you Mary, Julie and Jennifer. Much love to the grandchildren also
Julie & family,
So sorry to learn of your father’s passing. May your many wonderful memories provide peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Marcia Ruggles
My thoughts and Prayers go to the Hoffman family. So many memories of over fifty years of friendship. We shared kids,fun times and sad times. Enjoyed many years at Westside united Methodist Church in Ann Arbor as well as living in the same neighborhood, in Ann Arbor and then nearby in Florida. Dale could fix anything and build what ever he saw the need for. Memories are lasting and comforting. My Love to All.
Anita
Dale and Mary have been our dear friends for sixty-five years. Mary and I met in college at Western Michigan University. Dale was a caring, fun-loving friend and we will miss him greatly. My husband and Dale had a similar sense of humor that keep them happy whenever we were together. Dale had many talents and was always fun to share time with. The biggest issue for others was to determine when he was serious and when he was putting us on. Dale was unique and we will miss him greatly.
It was with great sadness that we learned of Dale’s passing. Although we have not lived in Three Rivers for some time, our hearts were always with the great friends we made, especially Dale, Mary and family. It was wonderful to walk through our back yard to visit often and we have missed that. We have great memories of our friendships. Dale was always there to help even catching a bat when Stephen was traveling. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
With love,
Jeanne and Stephen
I’m so sorry for your loss! Many prayers to you and your family!
Kutz family
My sincere condolences Mary and family. Such a wonderful, kind, caring man. Such great memories you shared for all those years.. In the words of Dr. Seuss, “Death ends a life; Not a relationship.” Hugs and prayers ❤️🙏🏽
Dale Hoffman was a real character! I have fond memories of visiting the Hoffmans on Seekle Rd and at their home in Florida. We were long-time members of TRFUMC and lifelong friends! Sending you love Mary, Julie, And Jennifer! “J.R.”