| Harry William Hoffman |
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Hoffman - Harry William, age 90, of Anoka, passed away February 14th, peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born 4/28/11. Survived by wife of 56 years, Sybil; son, Rick (Nancy); daughters, Cynthia Olson; Janelle (Craig) Dachtera; Julie (Alex Hadden); grandchildren, Nick Hoffman, Jessica Hoffman, Jessica Paulson, Kelli (Pat) Martin, Anna Olson, Tim Dachtera and Will Hadden; great granchildren, Katie and Carver Martin; sister, Eileen (Dr. Phil) Blumenthal; many nieces, nephews and friends. Preceded in death by parents, Al and Mary; brother, Francis 'Bud'. Harry attended St. Anne's Catholic School in Anoka, graduated from Anoka High School and attended Dunwoody Institute. At an early age Harry was fascinated by electricity. While employed at Federal Cartridge he enlisted in the Naval Reserves and was called to duty. Because of his knowledge of automation, the War Department recalled him to civilian life to put his talents to work at the Twin Cities Ordinance Plant. He holds seven patents and was instrumental in developing depth finder technologies. Following the war, Harry founded Hoffman Enginering, now known as Hoffman Enclosures, located in Anoka. He retired from Hoffman in 1992. He was also the founder and owner of Hoffman Electric , an Anoka business for many years. He was a licensed ham radio operator. Harry had a great love for music which spanned many years. In his younger days, he played in musical groups around the area and later played the violin in several area orchestras. He was a member of the Minnesota State Fiddle Asscociation. He was a lifetime member of the Anoka Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. He was an active member of the community, serving on the Utility Advisory Board for the City of Anoka and as president of the Anoka Taxpayer's Association. He was president of the Board of Governors during the planning and construction of Mercy Hospital and served on the board at Unity Hospital. He was chairman of the building committee for the construction of the St. Stephens Church in Anoka. He taught Automation at the Anoka Tech Center. Two years ago, the city of Anoka dedicated a street 'Hoffman Way' to honor him and the company he founded. Harry loved the fall Steam Thresher conventions, and Labor Day would find him operating a stone mill with his steam engine in Rollag, MN. He and his family enjoyed house boating on the St. Croix River and traveling around the U.S. in their Winnebago camper. Harry was a fountain of knowledge, experience and inventiveness, a kind-hearted and generous man who will be missed by all who knew him. Memorials preferred to the family. Memorial service, Tuesday, February 19th, 11 AM at Epiphany Church, 111th and Hanson Blvd NW, Coon Rapids. Friends may gather one hour prior to service. Washburn-McReavy Seman Chapel 763-767-1000.
Published in the Pioneer Press on 2/17/2002.
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