Donald “Don” Joseph Hoffman, 60

Donald “Don” Joseph Hoffman was born on June 29, 1961, to Joseph and Doris Hoffman in Orange, Calif. He passed away peacefully on Feb. 9, 2022, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with his loving mother Doris at his side.

Don was a proud father to his son, Nick, and was the older brother of Michael Hoffman of Beaverton, Ore., and the younger brother of Gary Hoffman of Orange, Calif.

Don, known to many from early on as Donny, grew up in Santa Ana, Calif., where he attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School and Mater Dei High School. He moved to Coeur d’Alene with his family in 1979 and attended North Idaho College and the University of Idaho.

Don operated Hoffman’s Shoe Box in Post Falls for 27 years, where his outgoing personality was perfectly suited to working with customers. Don was active with the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce and was president of the Jaycees. He was also a benefactor of non-profit groups including Anchor House and Ducks Unlimited.

Don loved to hunt and ride his motorcycle, and at various times in his life had been an avid pilot, scuba diver and photographer. He loved his dogs, loved anything with an engine and could always fix whatever was broken.

What Donny loved most were his family and his friends. Anyone who ever met him was drawn to him. He was funny, ornery, loved a good laugh and was a prolific story teller. Donny had unfailing empathy for other people’s problems, most of which paled compared to his own.

Don faced increasing medical difficulties for many years, yet was uncomplaining and in fact often dismissive toward any of his own physical hurdles, which were significant. All who knew him were humbled and inspired by how he kept his perspective and sense of humor through it all.

Don will always be in our hearts, and we will smile and tell our favorite “Donny stories” until we join him again.

Don is survived by his son, Nick Hoffman; his father, Joseph Hoffman; his mother, Doris Haupert Hoffman; his brothers, Gary (Julie) and Michael (Amanda) Hoffman; by his nephews, Kevin, Ryan and Benjamin Hoffman; and by his former wife, Yvonne Hoffman. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Andrew and Anna Hoffman, and Larry and Loretta Haupert; and by many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 25, 2022, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, at 919 E. Indiana Ave., in Coeur d’Alene. A luncheon in the St. Thomas parish hall will immediately follow.