John Richard Hoffman, 88

John Richard Hoffman, 88, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away Oct. 15, 2023, at the family home in Coeur d'Alene, following a long illness.

John was born in Medford, Ore., to parents Andrew and Anna Hoffman. The family moved to Anaheim, Calif., when John was a toddler. At age 9, he began working as a shoeshine boy and later worked beside his father in boot and shoe repair. 

He graduated from Tustin High School where he met his future wife, Barbara Gless. They married April 19, 1958, at the historic Old Mission San Juan Capistrano. Two weeks after their marriage, John was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1964.

After his discharge, John started his own shoe repair and boot business in Placentia, Calif. As his business expanded, he was joined by his brothers, Robert and Joe. In 1973, the families made the decision to move their families and business to Kellogg, Idaho, where it operates today under the ownership of three of John's children. 

During the time of John's working years, he became well known for his work ethic and common sense business practices. It was rare John ever missed a day of work. He truly enjoyed his choice of career, which was evident in the many hours he contributed to the business, even well into his retirement years. He and Barbara worked side by side, whether it be managing the business, at home raising their four children, or tending to their beautiful flower and garden yards. John had amazing attention to detail and loved to spend time building intricate birdhouses, which added a unique charm to his home and garden. John was a conversationalist and never met a stranger. Anyone who met him would walk away with a smile and a story to tell.

John's pride was his large and loving family. They find comfort in knowing that he is at peace spending eternity with the Lord. He is survived by wife Barbara, of 65 years, and children Tom (Stacey) Hoffman, Mary (Brian) Edwards, Jim (Colleen) Hoffman, and Beth (Sam) Gibbons. His grandchildren, Jodi (Arjun) Purvis, Nichole (Jason) Mingus, Lindsay (Cody) Lewis, Chelsea Hoffman, Taylor (Trevor) Thomas, Jessi (Blake) Milholland, Laurel (Will) Yergler, Devon (Kacey) Hoffman, Tyler Gibbons, Jared Hoffman, Brayden Hoffman, Brody Hoffman, and 14 1/2 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings Jeanette Austerman, Robert (Diane) Hoffman, Joe Hoffman, and Jim (Judie) Hoffman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Anna Hoffman, and siblings Bernice, Ruth, Joyce and Andrew. Services will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 625 E. Haycraft Ave., Coeur d’Alene on Nov. 18, 2023 at 11 a.m. 

Memorials can be made in John's name to St. Pius X Church or Hospice of North Idaho, Coeur d’Alene. 

Please visit John’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com and sign his guestbook.