Kenneth N. “Fuzzy” Hoffmann, 78, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at his home.

No public services will be held at this time.

Ken was born December 3, 1947, in Manchester, IA, the son of Monroe C. and Ardella Elizabeth Bildestein Hoffmann.

He was a 1966 graduate of Beckman High School in Dyersville, IA. He received his degree in welding from NICC.

He was a U.S. Veteran, serving in National Guard from 1966 until 1972.

Ken worked at the Dubuque Packing House for 32 yrs and when they closed went on to welding school at NICC and worked for John Deere until he retired.

Survivors include one daughter, Sharlyn (Cale) Waterman of Peosta; one son, Scott (Amy) Hoffmann of Castle Rock, CO; four grandchildren, Tyler, Haley, and Adlyn Donovan, and Braedon Hoffmann; two bonus grandchildren, Callie and Chloe Waterman; two great-grandchildren, Malakai and Hazel Donovan; one bonus great-granddaughter, Everleigh Waterman; two brothers, Francis (Shari) and Gary (Theresa) Hoffmann, both of Worthington, IA; and several cherished nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

In Loving Memory of Dad, Papa Kenny, Brother, Uncle Kenny, Fuzzy, or just Ken

There are some people who leave fingerprints on everything they touch. Through hard work, quiet service, unwavering love, and the countless lives they shape along the way, they build a legacy that will outlive them. That was our dad.

He was a man who found his greatest joy outdoors. If there was a sunrise breaking over a timber, a quiet morning in the field, or the sound of ducks settling into the Worthington Sportsman’s Pond, he was exactly where he wanted to be. Hunting wasn’t just a hobby-it was part of who he was. He loved chasing deer through the timber, flushing pheasants from roadside ditches, hunting squirrels and rabbits, and calling ducks into the pond from his boat.

Some of his most treasured memories were made with his son by his side-whether it was playing baseball together, spending long evenings on the field, or heading into the woods and fields to hunt together. Those shared moments of coaching, competing, laughing, and simply being together meant the world to him and created a bond that will last forever.

With his daughter, his greatest joy was mushroom hunting. Every spring, year after year, they would head out together searching the woods for morels. It became a tradition she can remember from every year of her life-except this last season. Those quiet walks through the timber, sharing stories and searching side by side, were some of his most peaceful and meaningful times.

In his later years, his daughter also had the privilege of caring for him in a deeply meaningful way. From taking him to appointments in Iowa City, to making sure his medications were organized and taken care of each week, to bringing him out for Sunday family dinners, she was there for him with love and dedication. Those moments together-simple, steady, and full of care-became some of the most precious time they shared.

Even after their divorce in 1987, he remained a steady and respectful presence in the life of the mother of his children, Nancy. They continued to share time together playing euchre, gambling, and over the years built a lasting friendship rooted in mutual respect and family.

Some of his happiest times were on the golf course. Golf was one of his greatest passions, and he cherished every round, every story shared, and every friendship made on the fairways.

He also enjoyed the simple tradition of gathering with friends at the “little tavern” in Worthington. It was a place he loved stopping in to share a meal, a laugh, and good conversation, and mist definitely a beer.  He was really looking forward to it opening up again.

But perhaps nothing brought him more pride than coaching the Worthington boys. For years, he dedicated countless evenings and weekends to coaching baseball-from pee-wee leagues all the way through town team. He poured his heart into every practice, every game, every tournament, and every player. He celebrated championships, comforted losses, and taught lessons that went far beyond baseball. To so many boys, he wasn’t just Coach-he was a mentor, an encourager, and someone who believed in them before they believed in themselves. Watching those boys grow into men was one of the greatest joys of his life.

He also attended countless events for his nieces and nephews over the years, and he truly cherished those days. Whether it was a game, a school program, a special milestone, or just being there in the stands, he showed up with pride and support. Those moments meant more to him than he ever said, and his presence will always be remembered and deeply appreciated by his family.

His commitment to his community was just as remarkable. He proudly served on the Worthington Fire Department and volunteered as a first responder, always willing to answer the call when someone else needed help. He also gave his time to the Worthington Sportsman’s Pond, helping preserve a place that meant so much to him and to countless others who shared his love of the outdoors. Service wasn’t something he talked about-it was simply who he was.

Dad believed in hard work. When Farmland closed, many people would have slowed down. He did the opposite. He went back to school, earned his welding degree, and built a second career at John Deere, where he worked until retirement. He loved shutdown every summer at Deere’s because he would volunteer at the fair parking cars with his friend Kevin. His determination showed that no obstacle was too great when you were willing to work for what came next.

He also loved spending time farming with his brothers, working the land, sharing stories, and creating memories that became treasured family traditions. Whether in the fields, the shop, or gathered around family, those moments meant everything to him.

He found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. He loved tending his garden, dancing whenever the opportunity arose, spending time with family and friends, and simply being outdoors. He was happiest with dirt on his boots and a beer in his hand.

In the last several years of his life, illness slowly stole many of the things he loved most. The man who had always been moving, building, coaching, hunting, golfing, and serving others found himself spending far more time sitting than living the active life he had always known. It was a difficult change for someone whose heart had always belonged outside and whose life had always been filled with purpose.

But illness never erased the life he had already lived.

His legacy isn’t measured by the years he spent slowed down. It is measured by every young ballplayer he encouraged, every emergency call he answered, every hunt shared, every round of golf enjoyed, every life he touched through kindness and service, every niece and nephew he showed up for, and every member of his family who was blessed to call him Dad, Papa Kenny, brother, uncle, or friend.

His stories will continue to be told in bars, at family gatherings, around campfires, in duck blinds, on baseball fields, and on golf courses. His example of hard work, resilience, generosity, and love for family will continue to inspire those who knew him.

Though our hearts are broken, we are endlessly grateful for the life he lived, the lessons he taught, and the memories he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.