Larry O. Hoffman

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Larry Ortwin Hoffman, age 84, of Kewaunee, Wisconsin. Larry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Larry passed away peacefully at Waterfall Health of Algoma on December 28, 2023, where he was recently admitted. He was born on January 31, 1939, in West Kewaunee to the late Ortwin and Lillian Hoffman.

After graduating from Kewaunee High School in 1957, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve. On August 11, 1962, he married Diane Gruetzmacher at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Montpelier.

Larry owned and operated a dairy farm in Kewaunee County. He was a dedicated farmer and was proud to carry on the family tradition. Larry was known for his love of the land and his commitment to producing high-quality, Grade A milk, crops, and livestock. Larry served as Director on various farm boards including Kewaunee County Farm Bureau, Casco FS Cooperative, and Kewaunee County Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA). Larry also served on the West Kewaunee Zoning Board, and as an election/poll volunteer for West Kewaunee. Larry was an active member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, having served in various positions and offices over the years. 

In addition to farming, Larry enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, watching the Green Bay Packers, and playing cards, especially the game of sheepshead. He was an avid player and enjoyed the social aspect of the game, as well as the strategic thinking it required. During retirement, Larry and Diane enjoyed many years of travel, including tours through Alaska and Europe as well as numerous trips to Minnesota and California visiting family. Larry also became very fond of putting together 1000-piece puzzles.

Larry was a loving husband to his wife Diane for 61 years and a devoted father to his children, Alan and Kim. He was also a proud grandfather to four grandchildren, who will always remember the fun times they had on the farm with him. He loved to ride his John Deere Gator on his property and taught the grandchildren how to drive it.

Survivors include his wife Diane, two children, Alan (Marites) Hoffman of El Dorado Hills, CA, Kim (Kevin) McMahon of Apple Valley, MN, four grandchildren, Mike (special friend Lexi Alverson) of Huntsville AL, Nicole of Eagan MN, and Taylor McMahon of St. Louis Park, MN, and Alyana Hoffman of El Dorado Hills. Larry is also survived by sisters-in-law, Arlene Gruetzmacher, Bonnie (Charles) Balleine, and Jean (Ken) Baeten. He was preceded in death by his parents Ortwin and Lillian Hoffman and four brothers-in-law, Roger, Wayne, Ronald and Glenn Gruetzmacher.

Visitation will take place at Kinnard Funeral & Cremation Services – Kewaunee, from 4–7 pm on Thursday, January 4, 2024. Visitation will continue at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Carlton from 10–11 am on Friday, January 5, 2024.  Funeral Service at 11 am with Pastor Heffner officiating.  Burial to follow at St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery. Online condolence messages may be shared at KinnardFCS.com.