Jack Thomas Hoffman

Jack T. Hoffman passed away on November 13, 2023, surrounded by the family he loved.

Jack was born in Chicago, IL, in 1940 to Frank Hoffman, a lifelong member of the International Fraternity of Teamsters, and Irene Hoffman (née Hanson), who worked for Oak Manufacturing in Chicago and later at Echo Products in Wheeling, IL.

Jack’s first friend was his twin sister, Jill, who, despite being just 10 minutes older, never missed an opportunity to play the big sister. The two spent their early years surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. They attended Carl Von Linne Elementary and Concordia Lutheran Schools in Chicago. When the family moved to Arlington Heights, IL, in 1952, Jack and Jill attended Wilson School, where Jack served as 8th grade class president. They later graduated from Arlington High School, Class of 1958.

One of the few and the proud, Jack served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves 1962-1965 at Paris Island, SC, and Camp Lejeune, NC.

Jack worked at Arlington Racetrack in high school and at Bonn Sewing Machines and AB Dick before working for Luther and Peterson Inc., servicing large machine tools throughout the Midwest for 30+ years. After a taste of retirement, Jack drove a school bus for the village of Huntley, IL, for another ten years.

In 1975, Jack met and married the love of his life, Barbara Wendell.  In addition to their beautiful daughter, Joleen (Matt) Huege, Barbara gave Jack four stepchildren: Stacey (Stu Richardson), Jamie Jo (Greg) Bodie, Gigi (Rick) Hansen, and Jim. Jack enjoyed his children's happiness and accomplishments as well as those of his ten grandchildren Cullen, Ian, Gigi (Caleb) Freeman, Sofi (Ben) Thornton, Alexis, Paige, Evan (Samantha) Hansen, Lucca, Bella, Vivian and Aubree; and six great-grandchildren Kennedy, Allie, Lily, Cooper, Rowan, and Finn and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of a seventh great-grandchild, Flossie Jo.

Jack loved camping, boating, skiing, classic cars, and the Sunburst Corvette Club. When not working or spending time with family, Jack enjoyed traveling, exploring new places, catching up with old friends, and meeting new ones.

Jack is survived by his sister Jill, sisters-in-law Ginger and Glenda, and brothers-in-law Ron, Ed, Jim, Rod, and Gene. Many beloved nieces and nephews will miss him. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Irene; his in-laws, Ted and Grace Wendell; sisters-in-law Dot and Wendy; brothers-in-law Romy, Ted and LD; and his granddaughters, Mia, Nina, and Cara.

The family is planning a celebration of life in the spring, and any who shared the good times of Jack’s life will be welcome to celebrate with us.