Donald J. “Bear” Hoffman, age 68, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 1:18 p.m., on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at home, surrounded by his loving family. To honor Bear’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, April 28, 2018, at St. Donatus Church, 97 First Street East, St. Donatus, with Rev. Philip Mensah officiating. To celebrate Bear’s life, family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Friday, April 27, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Burial will be in St. Donatus Cemetery.

Bear was born on August 6, 1949, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Gerald and Mary (Murphy) Hoffman.

Bear was born and raised in the Dubuque area, and honorably served his country with the U.S. Army as a radio operator during the Vietnam War. He was very proud of his time in the service and was a long-time member of the American Legion Post 273 in Bellevue. After high school Bear also attended carpentry school, and would put the skills he acquired there to good use in the construction industry for most of his working career, as well as creating beautiful pieces for his home. In his younger years, Bear traveled extensively, but he would eventually return home to his native Dubuque, and meet and marry the love of his life, Margaret “Margie” Ginter-Landolt, on March 17, 2011, at his beloved Massey Station. Bear was ecstatic that he not only found a loving partner in Margie, but also gained 3 daughters and several grandchildren, who became his pride and joy. When he wasn’t busy playing with the grandkids, Bear could be found out in the garden tending to his fruits and vegetables or weeding his beautiful flower beds. He had a green thumb that was undeniable, and some even said with his talents “he could grow a rock”. Bear had a kind and giving nature and was always willing to go above and beyond, whether it be lending a helping hand or simply sharing his blessings with others. We are deeply saddened that Bear has been called home to Heaven. We will miss him tremendously, but take some comfort in the fact that he is now at peace, and free of the health issues he has handled with such grace these past few years. We will miss you Bear, and look forward to one day being reunited with you in Eternity.

Those left to cherish Bear’s memory include

his loving wife,
Margie Hoffman, Dubuque, IA;

his daughters,
Christine Ginter, Dubuque, IA,
Angela (Nick) Bibb, Dubuque, IA
and Alecia Landolt, East Dubuque, IL;

his grandchildren,
Sasha Ginter, Jacob Ginter, Dillon Ginter, Andrew Oslac, Amber Oslac, Ella Bibb and Evan Bibb;

his siblings,
Connie (Al) Rowell, Dubuque, IA,
Richard “Byrd” (Diane) Hoffman, Dubuque, IA,
Dennis “Chink” (Kim) Hoffman, Engelwood, CO,
Kevin “Putter” (Cathy) Hoffman, Dubuque, IA
and Kathy (Ed) Michel, Bellevue, IA;

and several nieces and nephews.

Bear was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Ronnie Hoffman in infancy.

A Donald J. “Bear” Hoffman memorial fund has been established, which will be distributed among his favorite charities.

Bear’s family would like to thank Dr. Chesney, and the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their kind, attentive and compassionate care of Bear and his entire family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com