HOISINGTON — Victor Francis Hoffman, 95, died Jan. 27, 2025, at Credo Senior Living Center, Hoisington, Kan. He was born Sept. 8, 1929, at the family farm north of Claflin, the son of Anton and Winifred (Dolechek) Hoffman. Vic graduated from Claflin High School in 1947 and attended the University of Kansas where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Fraternity. He graduated from Emporia Teachers College in 1955 with degrees in Math and Science. Vic married Evelyn Lucille Johanning on Sept. 10,1953 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellinwood, Kan. They celebrated 69 years of marriage.

February 28, 1951, Victor was drafted into the Army. In August of 1951, he was assigned to the 77th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division in Korea. He was a forward observer with a Greek Infantry Company during Operation Commando.

Sgt. Hoffman was discharged from active duty on Feb. 21, 1953. He then completed four years in the inactive reserves. Vic was the recipient of a Greek Citation Medal for service as a forward observer, Korean Service Medal with two bronze battle stars, United Nations Service Medal, Army Occupation Medal, and on May 29, 2000, a Korean Service Medal from the Department of Defense. This was in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War Service to the Nation.

Vic was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a long-time Claflin and Hoisington area resident.  Memberships included St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Livestock Association, and the American Hereford Association. He was a director on many boards, including USD 431, High Plains Farm Credit, and Great Bend CO-OP.

Vic was a farmer, rancher, and partner in Hoffman Ranches, and E & V Oil Company. After retirement, his love of the land and care of the pastures was most important to him, along with spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include Alan (Kathy) Hoffman of Hoisington, Joan Hoffman of Lawrence, Wayne (Melanie) Hoffman of Red Cloud, Neb., Leon Hoffman of Peyton, Colo., and son-in-law Todd Musser of Newton; 10 grandchildren, Eric (Mandy) Hoffman, Kevin (Veronica) Hoffman, Nathan (Kimberly) Hoffman, Ryan (Jenna) Hoffman, Benjamin Myers, Paul Myers, Landon (Breanna) Hoffman, Aliese Hoffman, Sarah Musser and Marisa Musser; and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Evelyn; daughter Ann E. Musser; and brother Anthony “Tony” Hoffman.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home. Family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. at the church, with Vigil and Rosary to begin at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 2 p.m., Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, celebrated by Father Warren Stecklein. Burial with military honors, conducted by Fort Riley Army Honor Guard, will follow in St. John Catholic Cemetery, Hoisington. The family has invited everyone to a luncheon prior to the service at 11:30 a.m., at the Church Parish Hall. Memorials are suggested in lieu of flowers to the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church or Clara Barton Hospital Foundation in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Notices may be viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home

P.O. Box 146

Hoisington, KS 67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 30, 2025