Thomas J. Hofmann, 82, Rice MN, passed peacefully, surrounded by his loving family
on September 22, 2011, at Good Shepherd Memory Cottages, Sauk Rapids. A
Celebration of Tom's Life will be held September 26, 2011, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the
Holiday Inn, St. Cloud.
Thomas was born to Rudy A. and Katherine (Bresnahan) Hofmann on May 13, 1929 in
St. Cloud MN. He graduated from Cathedral High School, St. Cloud MN in 1947. He
married Beverly A. Oien on September 23, 1950 in Eau Claire, Wl. Tom co-owned and
co-operated the Wide Awake Dry Cleaners and Shoe Store in St. Cloud, a family business
his father established in 1920. Family was Tom's anchor throughout his life: hunting with
"the gang" at El Rancho Rudy; driving in snow storms to watch his grandsons play hockey;
cheering at his granddaughter's soccer games, camping with children, then grandchildren.
He enjoyed the outdoors whether it was chopping wood, playing hockey at Lake George (after shoveling off the rink) or flying his Birmingham Rollers. ln 1967, Tom coached the
St. Cloud Rockets Hockey Team to the U.S. Intermediate Championship. The logo he
designed for the Rockets, "ST" encircled by a large "C", evolved into the official logo
of St. Cloud State University. Tom was recognized by St. Cloud State University in
2002 for his contribution to its history. He was also proud to have been inducted into
the St. Cloud Hockey Hall of Fame.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Beverly; children, Stephen Hofmann (Deb Bielejeski),
Sartell MN, Sudie Hofmann (Mark Linzer), St. Louis Park MN and St. Cloud MN, Cherie
Hofmann McDowall (John McDowall), St. Augusta MN, Janet Hofmann (Michael
Brodsky), Bellingham WA and Jay Hofmann, Rice MN; grandchildren, James T.
Hofmann (Lana Bennes), St. Cloud MN, Kimberly (Luis Castillo) Hofmann, St. Paul
MN, Joel Hofmann, Sartell MN, Lenny Hofmann, Bloomington MN, Reiko Koyama,
Washington D.C., Thomas McDowall, Minneapolis MN, Mathew (Aimee Kippley)
McDowall, Ivan Brodsky and Milo Brodsky; great-grandchildren, Rosabella Castillo
and Liliana Castillo, St. Paul MN.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Rudy N. Hofmann and sister,
Glorianne Hofmann Hyneman.
The family wishes to thank Talahi Adult Day Care, St. Cloud, for their skilled caring that
brought a certain delightful brightness to Tom's life. The family also wishes to thank
the amazing staff at Good Shepherd Memory Cottages and Heartland Hospice who
guided Tom's final journey with a loving gentleness not often seen. Tom's family will
be eternally grateful to these professionals. Sincere thanks are expressed to Dr.
Stephen Reichl, so kind and caring that Tom looked forward to his visits. Tom's family
is being assisted by Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, St. Cloud who has
anticipated their every need and softened their difficult tasks.
Memorials may be directed to the Thomas J. Hofmann Memorial Fund for Local
Charities, in care of the Great River Federal Credit Union, 1532 W Saint Germain St.,
St. Cloud, MN 56303.