Goodridge – Rodney Hoffman, of Goodridge, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2023 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND with his loving wife by his side.
Rodney Keith Hoffman was born during a snowstorm, December 15, 1946, son of John and Jeanette (Marquette) Hoffman. With John running the snow plow, Uncle Fred drove Jeanette to the hospital in Thief River Falls. Rodney was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Goodridge. He attended school in Goodridge and graduated with the class of 1964.
Rodney grew up on a farm 2½ miles south of Goodridge. At an early age he was driving tractor and started blading roads at the age of 10.
Rodney turned 18 on December 15, 1965 and ten days later he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He completed basic training in Texas, electronic training in Illinois and then spent one year working on jet fighters as an instrument technician. Rodney was then ordered to Vietnam for one year, afterwards returning to Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio. He also spent 3 months in Madrid, Spain, before being discharged in December 1969. While in the service, Rodney spent time in 7 different countries.
Following his honorable discharge he returned to Goodridge and started farming with his dad and brother Roger.
On June 26, 1971, Rodney was united in marriage to Sylvia Hermanson at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. The couple made their home near Goodridge and to this union 2 daughters were born, Alissa in 1982 and Lacey in 1985.
Rodney worked hard all of his life. He loved farming and later started seeding native grass, which turned into one of the largest grass seeding businesses in the state of Minnesota. He also kept 3 motor grades operating, taking care of Township roads in the Goodridge area. Later on, Rodney rented out the farmland but still kept busy blading roads, plowing snow, and combining in the fall.
The highlights in Rodney’s life were his children and grandchildren. Several times over the years, he spent time fishing in Mexico. Rodney and his family really enjoyed their time together on these vacations.
Rodney is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sylvia Hoffman of Goodridge; daughters, Alissa (Tim) Hruby and Lacey (Joe) Hruby; grandchildren, Ellie, Abel, Ryker, Hayes; brother, Roger (Celeste) Hoffman of Goodridge; sister, Cheryl (Brian) Kellogg of Peru, MA; sisters in-law, Barbara (Paul) Odette, Deonne Bakken, Denise Naeseth; nieces and nephews, Kristen (Steve) Lamontagne, Brett (Stephanie) Bakken, Brady (Cejae) Bakken, Brea Naeseth, Brandon (Brenna Dallager) Bakken, Cameron (Kendra Eckman) Naeseth; great nieces and nephews, Anna, Noah, Hazel, Aiden, Harper; along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Rodney is preceded in death by his parents, John and Jeanette; Sylvia’s parents, Henry and Alvina Hermanson; along with several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Ekelund Lutheran Church, rural Goodridge, with Reverend Timothy Lundeen officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 10, 6 p.m. until the time of prayer service at 7 p.m. at Ekelund Lutheran Church and also one hour prior to the service on Saturday.
Casket Bearers: Tim Hruby, Joe Hruby, Brett Bakken, Brady Bakken, Brandon Bakken, and Cameron Naeseth.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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