Thomas Hoffmann
March 14, 1921 - October 21, 2010
Loved a good laugh -- even at his own expense.
Thomas Hoffmann passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, at his daughter’s home in Lake Stevens on October 21, 2010 at age 89. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on March 14, 1921. At the age of 2, his family moved back to Norway where he grew up in the town of Trondheim. In 1946, he joined the US Army while still in Norway and was stationed in Germany as part of the rebuilding effort. He returned to the US in 1950 where he enrolled in Colorado State University. He excelled on the ski team, winning numerous awards and trophies including the team National Championship in 1951 and 1952.
He married Shirley Mulloy in 1955 and had three children – Lisa Christine, Michael Frederick and John Thomas. He also leaves behind a son-in-law, Donald Alan, daughter in law Tracy Lynn, and grandkids Zachary David, Kayla Christine, Kristin Elise, Ivan Thomas, and Michael Thomas, as well as his dear friend Betty Saviano. After starting a family Thomas worked as a commercial fisherman in Alaska but eventually opted for a career in construction. Here he found his passion and retired from the Carpenters' Union after a 20+ year career.
Throughout this career he taught himself plumbing, electrical and mechanical skills, and during his lengthy retirement he built on his passion for carpentry and working with his hands by volunteering his services to friends and family alike. He could not walk into a home without offering remodeling advice.
He was a gifted artist and a prolific dancer. He was a member of the Sons of Norway Normanna Hall for over 30 years and was a proud member of the Scandinavian Dancers. He had many fond memories of dancing and spending time with good friends there. He also took up gardening in his retirement and loved sharing his delicious raspberries, strawberries and tomatoes with family and friends.
Tom had an infectious smile and loved a good laugh – even at his own expense. He was always willing to try anything. In his final years, he often sat around the dining room table with his family laughing and reliving many of his crazy antics from years past. He was first and foremost a Norwegian and loved to talk about the old country relaying stories of poverty and struggle during the depression with reverence. His good nature, kind heart and sense of humor will be truly missed by his family and friends. We love you Thomas.
FUNERAL INFORMATION
A Life Celebration will be held at Normanna Lodge, Saturday November 6th from 3-5:00PM.
Memorial
Just as the Wave Cannot Exist
Just as the wave cannot exist for itself, but is ever a part of the heaving surface of the ocean, so must I never live my life for itself, but always in the experience which is going on around me. It is an uncomfortable doctrine which the true ethics whisper into my ear. You are happy, they say; therefore you are called upon to give much.
Albert Schweitzer
Looking into the portals of eternity
Looking into the portals of eternity teaches that the brotherhood of man is inspired by God's word; Then all prejudice of race vanishes away.
George Washington