William L. "Bill" Hoffman's Obituary
William L. “Bill” Hoffman, age 86, passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2020. He was born June 26, 1933 in Muskegon to Herman and Elizabeth (Essenberg) Hoffman. Bill graduated from Western Michigan Christian High School in 1951. He then married the love of his life, the former Mary E. Wilks, in Muskegon Heights on August 22, 1953 and spent two years serving his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Once back from the service, he worked at the Kroger on Apple Ave. with his brother, Don. As well as working part-time for Kroger, Bill’s primary occupation was as a Letter Carrier for the United States Post Office to support his growing family. Bill worked for the Post Office 35 years prior to his retirement. He was a faithful member of Fruitport Christian Reformed Church, where he had been an Elder and Deacon, Cadet counselor, and belonged to the Mature Express small group. Bill was an avid gardener and took great pride in his lawn. He collected stamps and enjoyed golfing and bowling. Bill and Mary also loved vacationing and visiting with Mary’s brothers and sisters. He loved everything sports and even though he wasn’t able to play some of them in his later years, he could always be found watching and cheering on his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting activities. SURVIVORS include his wife, Mary; 4 children: Denise (Nick) Lennon, Bruce (Barbara) Hoffman both of Norton Shores, Bradley (Sharon) Hoffman of Rapid River, MI, Melissa Hoffman of Whitehall; 11 grandchildren: Amanda (Jason) Zylka, Emily (Peevee) Garcia, Andrew Chase, Ryan (Melissa) Hoffman, Sarah (Josh) Saagman, Christy (Steve) Lowe, Chris (Bill) Sturgis, Curt (Dacia) Dawson, Joseph Dawson, Kendra (Jordan) Musselman, and Kory Lennon; and 13 great-grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and a brother and sister-in-law, Donald (Phyllis) Hoffman. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and social distancing, a private family graveside service will be held in East Dalton Oakwood Cemetery. MEMORIALS to Guiding Light or the Alzheimer’s Association will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100
To watch Bill's graveside service, please click on this link: https://youtu.be/Jk1O63A0mR8
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