Joseph Hoffmann, Sr.

Joseph Hoffmann, Sr. of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, formerly of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at the age of 82. Joe was born in Modosch, Yugoslavia on February 2, 1936 to Nikolas and Susanna Hoffmann, both of whom preceded him in death.

After World War II, his family moved to Frankfurt, Germany. Joe immigrated to the United States in 1956 with his mother and younger brother, Stefan, along with his maternal grandparents. His mother, Susanna Hoffmann nee Huschwar, remained in St. Louis until her death in 1992. Stefan and his grandparents eventually returned to Germany. All preceded him in death.

On September 3, 1960 he married his love, Leota Mae Stotlar. Their marriage spanned more than 56 years until Lee passed away in March 2017. They loved each other dearly.

An accomplished amateur soccer player, Joe spent his free time on the field as a member of a number of elite St. Louis soccer teams. While playing for CSMAC, his team won the 1962 Missouri State Championship, and with Kutis, his team took the National title for the 1970 1971 season. In 1994 he was inducted into the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame, a very proud event for him. A career tool and die machinist, Joe spent the last 21 years of his career working the midnight shift repairing machinery for the Anheuser-Busch brewery in St. Louis, retiring in 1999. He could fix or build anything and was always there to help his family and friends when they needed his skills. Joe was a quiet man that loved the solitude of fishing. Many family vacations were spent at the lake where hed go out early in the morning in search of the big one!

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Deborah (David) Jolliff of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas; his sons, Joseph (Lisa) Hoffmann, Jr. of Fenton, Missouri, Robert (Lisa) Hoffmann and Jeffrey Hoffmann, both of St. Louis, Missouri and his grandchildren, Valinda Hebert, Nikolas Hoffmann, Ethan Hoffmann, Adam Hoffmann, Nathan Hoffmann, Kailey Hoffmann and Andrew Hoffmann.

The last year of his life included his constant companion, Jerry the Cat. He adopted Jerry from the Hot Springs Village Animal Welfare League following the passing of his beloved wife. Jerry brought him great joy and companionship. Jerry always brought a smile to his face and helped fill his days and nights with comfort.

A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 204 West Mill Street, Waterloo, Illinois 62298. Interment will follow at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Thursday, March 15, 2018 from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church at the address above. The Creason Funeral Home in Waterloo, Illinois is entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent in his name to the Hot Springs Village Animal Welfare League, P. O. Box 8032, Hot Springs Village, Arkansas 71910.