Francis P. Hoffman

February 7, 1936 - October 30, 2022

visitation

St. Mary Catholic Church

321 Joliet Street

Crown Point, IN 46307

Thursday 11/3, 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm

mass

St. Mary Catholic Church

321 Joliet Street

Crown Point, IN 46307

Thursday 11/3, 12:30 pm

Francis P. Hoffman, 86, of Watervliet, MI passed away peacefully with family members at his side on October 31, 2022. He was born to the late Eva and John Hoffman on February 7, 1936 and raised in Crown Point, Indiana. Fran loved his country and proudly served in the United States Army.

Francis is survived by his sister, Rosemary Hortyk; and his many loving nieces and nephews.

Francis was preceded in death by his wife, Billie Hoffman; parents: John and Eva Hoffman; siblings: Herb, John, Robert, Donald and Kenneth Hoffman, Genevieve Stark, Pearl Thiel, and Marcella Hoshaw.

Always active and an adventurer at heart, Fran met and married the love of his life Eythelbelle “Billie” Brandenburg and together they traveled to over 30 countries and made friends throughout the world. Fran made sure that his final trip was to heaven just in time to celebrate Halloween, his 52nd wedding anniversary, with Billie. Fran was an avid skier both in the mountains and on the water. As a young man in the 1960’s he could be found ski-kiting into the pool of numerous Jamaican resorts, or performing in the Chicago Air and Water Show. He was also known to jump out of helicopters and ski fresh powder in the Canadian Rockies and was an infamous host to many a skier on Snowmass Mountain.

But Fran’s life wasn’t all fun and travel. He knew the importance of hard work and counted his blessings that resulted from it. He was a founder of River Oaks Lincoln Mercury and supported many charities in the places he lived. One of his favorite causes was to provide support to educate auto mechanics in the Crown Point area. He will most be remembered for his dedication to the teachings of the Catholic Church, and for the love he had for his wife Billie and all of his extended family.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 321 E. Joliet Street, Crown Point, IN 46307 from 12:00 PM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Francis’s name to Mercy Ships https://www.mercyships.org/

Visit Francis’s online guestbook at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com 219-663-2500.

Geisen Funeral Home

Kent Walczak

Dave Hoshaw

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St. Mary Catholic Church

321 Joliet Street

Crown Point, IN 46307

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Thursday 11/3, 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm

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St. Mary Catholic Church

321 Joliet Street

Crown Point, IN 46307

Map

Thursday 11/3, 12:30 pm

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One of the best baking complements I ever received was from Uncle Franny at my mom's house one Christmas day, and he took a bite of my homemade apple pie. And he said "This tastes just like my mother used to make". Love, 'Weird Jude'.

Uncle Franny was the most exciting uncle on my Dad's (Robert Sr.) side of the family. Like was described, he was very active. I remember staying at Grandma and Grandpa's and being lucky enough to sleep in Uncle Franny's room. I heard that he water skied for Tommy Bartlett's water show in the Wisconsin Dells, a place we frequented and got to meet Tommy and Tom Diehl. They spoke so highly of Fran. I think my love for snow skiing might have been inspired by him as well. Rest well, Uncle Fran. Say hello to Aunt Billie.

Rest in Peace my good friend!

Rest in peace my friend , I will take a few runs at Aspen for you this Winter .

You will be missed uncle Fran ! A lot of fond memories through the years. Uncle Fran was my godparent and I remember stopping by his car lot we are always trying to talk each other out of cars or swapping cars. I use to always tease him about one of his favorite sayings was referring to somebody as one of those older guys !! Lol. I had a nice visit with him on the phone in July. I wish that I would've found out sooner I would've liked to try to make it back to Indiana for the funeral. But I have some health issues going on with myself as well. He will be missed but the memories will last forever !!

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Fond memories of Uncle Fran flood my mind. As a young girl, I helped my grandma Hoffman with chores around the house. One of them was to wake up Fran who enjoyed sleeping in, way past the acceptable time for grandma! He was a very sound sleeper or perhaps a good faker. LOL! Usually tickling was the most productive. Uncle Fran will be greatly missed! I’m have traveled and not had much time with him, since I was young, so I really appreciate the dedication that my cousins have had over the years to be family for Fran. I have been remiss in expressing that. Blessing to you all!

On behalf of the entire Stanton family we want to send our condolences to you all for the loss you have had. Fran was a great next-door neighbor for the past 30 year's and will be greatly missed.

I will always remember you teaching me to water ski on Lake Michigan it was so beautiful clear as glass with fish swimming underneath. And Joan and I got to sleep on Red Silk sheets for our first time, we felt like royalty... Love You To Thee Moon And Back.

Fran was the best godfather anyone could ask for. He was there throughout my entire life with Billie by his side. He was a model of love and friendship. I’m sure my dad was there welcoming him to heaven with open arms.

My deepest condolences to the Hoffman Family on Fran’s passing. Fran loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was a dear friend for which I am thankful for the opportunity to be that. He often spoke of his wife, siblings and nieces and nephews and what a big part of his life they were to him and how proud he was of them all. Fran’s presence will be missed but I know he is now with those he so loved. Rest In Peace Fran… Dear Friend and neighbor, Donna LeBeau

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.