Francis “Fritz” Hoffbeck, age 95, of Marshall, Minnesota, died on Tuesday, July 3, 2018, at the Heritage Pointe Senior Living in Marshall, Minnesota. A Celebration of Life was held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, July 7, 2018, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Marshall, Minnesota. Interment with Military Honors followed in the Marshall Cemetery.
Francis “Fritz” Jorgen Hoffbeck was born on March 12, 1923, to George and Ella (Nielsen) Hoffbeck at Morgan, Minnesota, and was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran, rural Morgan. His faith in God guided him throughout his life and was an inspiration to his family. Fritz attended country school and one year of high school in Morgan, receiving his high school diploma after serving in the U.S. Navy from September 22, 1942, until October 5, 1945.
On May 9, 1946, he married the love of his life, Evelyn Spong, at a small rural church in Clifton Township east of Marshall. They farmed in the Morgan area before moving to Evie’s parents’ farm east of Marshall in the fall of 1954. He was the proud father of Jerry, Jeanne, Lynne and Cheri. Fritz had a herd of registered Holstein dairy cattle, selling Grade A milk to Schwan’s Dairy, and was a member of the Dairy Herd Improvement Association receiving many awards for herd production.
Fritz was an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Milroy for over 50 years, serving on the building committee, church council, teaching Sunday School, was a Luther League advisor and choir member. Fritz was a member of the Milroy American Legion, served as a volunteer with Prairie Home Hospice, and sang with the Marshall Area Men’s Chorus for many years. Other interests included golf, bowling and horseshoe league play as well square dancing, woodworking, playing cards, and having coffee with friends.
Fritz will always be remembered for his dimpled smile, sense of humor, and sparkle in his blue eyes. He was taught as a child to respect his elders by shaking hands with them, and still liked a friendly handshake. Fritz and Evie bought their lake home by Alexandria in 1992 spending many happy times there with family and friendly neighbors. He liked sitting on the dock and fishing. They moved from the farm to their condo in Marshall in 2007 and became members of St. Stephen Lutheran Church. They then moved to Heritage Pointe Senior Living in 2016. Fritz and Evie just celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary in May. He treasured time spent with his family and friends. Blessed be his memory.
Fritz passed away surrounded by his family at Heritage Pointe Senior Living in Marshall. He reached the age of 95 years, 3 months, and 21 days.
He is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn Hoffbeck of Marshall; daughters, Jeanne Forsberg of Omaha, NE, Lynne (Dave) Zick of Milroy, Cheri (Chris) Christensen of Buffalo; daughter-in-law, Sandy Hoffbeck of Marshall; grandchildren, Jodi (Alan) Fadness of Truman, Todd (Teri) Hoffbeck of North Branch, James Robert Havens of CA, Troy (Amanda) Gilb of DeKalb, IL, Kelly (Steve) Kontz of Bennington, NE, Ryan (Jen) Zick of Chaska, Scott (Becky) Zick of Milroy, Erik (Kathi) Christensen of Seattle, WA, Lisa Christensen (Greg) of Delano; 25 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; siblings, Earl Hoffbeck, Viola Dahmes, Alvin (Ardith) Hoffbeck, Floyd Hoffbeck; sister-in-law, Alvina Hoffbeck; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by son, Jerry Hoffbeck; parents, George and Ella Hoffbeck; brothers, Raymond, Vernon, and Norman Hoffbeck; brother-in-law, LaVerne Dahmes; sisters-in-law, Darlene, Lois, Shirley, and Joyce Hoffbeck.
Arrangements by the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall, Minnesota.
Guest book and tribute wall available online at www.hamiltonfh.com.