Peter J. Hoffman, 92, of Black River Falls, Wisconsin, passed away at his home on May 28,
2024 with his wife, Jone at his side.
Peter was born to Duane and Lavina (Briggson) Hoffman on June 28, 1931, in Sparta,
Wisconsin. The oldest of three siblings, Peter grew up in Black River Falls with his sister Janet
and brother David. After graduating from Black River Falls High School, he enrolled at the
University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he studied business.
While attending U.W., Peter met Jone Johnson in the campus library one afternoon and the two
quickly fell in love. They were married on June 19, 1954, in a double wedding with Jone’s twin
sister, Jane, and her husband, Chuck Siefert.
After obtaining a business degree from the University of Madison, Peter and Jone returned to
their hometown of Black River Falls where Peter began his career at Hoffman Construction
Company with his brother, David and father, Duane. A third-generation owner of Hoffman
Construction, Peter’s life revolved around his work and the road construction industry. He was
diligent and ambitious and cared greatly for his co-workers. Peter was well respected in the
industry.
When he wasn’t working, Peter could often be found outdoors or at the family cabin in Hatfield,
where he enjoyed sailing his Hobie Cat sailboat around Lake Arbutus or singing and strumming
his banjo. Peter also made time to travel, he especially loved visiting the Grand Canyon, which
he was known to hike solo.
A classic car enthusiast, Peter admired vintage automobiles and was especially proud of his own
1954 Olds 98 Starfire convertible. Peter and Jone were avid sports fans, and in 50 years he never
missed a football or basketball game when the Badgers were playing. His love of sports also
extended to the Black River Tigers, of which he was a huge supporter. He also loved to sing and
was a member of the United Methodist church choir for many years.
Above all else, Peter loved spending time with his family and was known as an incredibly kind
and generous person.
Peter died sober. He was proud of his 33 years of continued sobriety and felt his life was much
better because of this decision. Peter had several mottos he lived his life by, including: “There’s
no limit to how good life can be”, and “I wonder what good things are going to happen to me
today”. Above all else, Peter loved spending time with his family and was known as an
incredibly kind and generous person.
Peter is survived by his life partner of almost 70 years, Jone Hoffman; his brother David
(Marilynn) Hoffman; his sons Paul (Robin) Hoffman and James (Andrea) Hoffman; his
grandchildren Molly Hoffman, Emily (Seth) Snitzer, William Hoffman, Isaac Hoffman, Jeremy
Hoffman, Zachary (Emily) Hoffman, Amelia (Nick Hagar) Hoffman, Madelyn (Gustavo)
Calderon; and great-grandchildren Mya, Ellis, Maggie, August, Aldo, and Elena.
He is predeceased by his parents, Duane and Lavina, his son, John (“Jack”), and sister Janet
Krohn.
Visitation will be held at the Black River Falls United Methodist Church on Thursday, June 20,
2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held Friday, June 21 at the church
at 11:00 a.m., with an hour of visitation beforehand. Pastor Inwha Shon will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peter’s memory to the Black River Area
Foundation.
Thank you to the nurses of St. Croix Hospice for their great care and compassion.