Dale LaVern Hoffman

Dale Hoffman, 87, of Merrill, Wisconsin, finished his earthly journey and walked into the arms of the Lord on June 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Dale was born in Spirit, Wisconsin on July 22, 1938, to LaVern and Erna (Brietzke) Hoffman. When he was 17 years old, he talked his mother into signing consent and he enlisted into the United States Army, serving his country in the armored infantry. He told his family many stories about the military days when he operated tanks and represented his Army unit as an avid boxer. He had been stationed in Germany when he met the love of his life, Katherine (Filas) while home on leave, they were married on December 27, 1958 in Rib Lake, Wisconsin. The newlyweds made their home and raised their family in Merrill, Wisconsin, where he worked at Semling & Menke until his retirement in 1990. Katherine preceded him in death nine months prior, family and friends know he died of a broken heart and they are now together dancing in paradise.

Dale was an avid hunter and outdoorsman and will be remembered for his hunting and fishing skills. He taught his children how to survive and live off the land if needed. Dale was always the life of the party, family and friends will remember him for his outgoing personality, quick wit, and offering a beer to everyone that walked through his door. Their home was always the hub for family occasions and reunions. Many Saturday nights were spent playing poker and other card games with groups of family and friends.

Dale is survived by his children, Mary (Tim) Stevenson, Merrill and James (Tracey) Hoffman, Medford. He was so proud of his grandchildren, Brooke Stevenson, Merrill; Kyle (Miranda) Stevenson, Rib Mountain; Ashley Stevenson, Wausau; Aaron Hoffman, Merrill; Eric (Esther) Hoffman, Merrill; Lesa (Trevor) Vogel, Wausau; Aimee (John) Becker, Merrill; Kendra (Scott) Hoffman, Dodgeville; Jason (Jess) Hoffman, Medford; Andy Hoffman, Athens; Robert (Denise) Hoffman Jr, Merrill; Tracy (Travis) Thompson, Illinois; brother, Glen Hoffman, Montana; sisters, Myrna (Andy) Holmquist, Brantwood; Patricia (Emery) Mueller, Oak Creek; Luann (Daryl) Lind, Ogema; Nancy Kraeger, Texas; Linda (Jerry) Sanchez, Kansas; Rita (Scott) Renn, Tomahawk; brother-in-law, Frank (Rosie) Filas, Medford. Along with many great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine; son, Robert Hoffman Sr., Merrill; Parents, LaVern Hoffman, Antigo and Erna Kabalin, Brantwood; brother, Charles Siroin Sr., Clintonville, along with many other family and friends who greeted him in Heaven.

Family and friend gathering is scheduled at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, 301 S Eagle Drive, Wednesday, July 1, 2026 from 10am-1pm. Military burial will follow the gathering at the Lake View Cemetery in Rib Lake, Wisconsin.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com