Richard Walter ‘Dick’ Hoffmann, age 86, of Prescott, Wisconsin died December 31, 2021 at Regina Medical Center, Hastings, Minnesota surrounded by family.
Dick was born on January 20, 1935 in Arpin, Wisconsin; son of George and Nelda Hoffmann. He graduated from Aurbunale High School prior to furthering his schooling at the University of Wisconsin River Falls. He received his Bachelors and Master’s in Education. It was not all studies however; Dick played college baseball (first base) for four years while attending UWRF. In college is where he fell in love with Phyllis Benjamin who would become his wife of 63 years.
Dick and Phyllis were married on August 2, 1958 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Hastings, Minnesota. This union was the beginning of many blessings in their lives. They raised their three daughters in a faith-filled home, Kris (Dave) Swanson, Kim (Jay) Krause, and Karin (Dave) Brandvold. Seven grandchildren, Katie (Jesse) Hansen, Jenni (Charlie) Block, Kellie (Josh) Kral, Nick (Rachel) Swanson, Trevor (Ali) Brandvold, Craig Brandvold, Aly Brandvold, and thirteen great grandchildren, Angelina, Gage, Teagan, Henry, Bennett, Clarissa, Zoey, Harper, Tucker, Izraya, Abel, Siloam, and Leo, whom he cherished.
Dick began his career in 1957 in Independence, WI as a teacher and coach. In 1958, he accepted a position as a Prescott high school teacher, coach, and driver’s education instructor and moved to Prescott. He was the head coach for boy’s baseball, basketball, wrestling, volleyball and football. Dick spearheaded the formation of girls’ sports in Prescott in the early 1970’s. For many years, Dick was rarely seen without a coach’s whistle hanging around his neck. As his career progressed, Dick became Principal of Prescott Middle School and Prescott Athletic Director. Dick retired from the Prescott School District in 1996.
Dick was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time at their cabin. At the cabin, Dick loved the lake, playing cards, reading, watching the sunrise and set, and looking for deer with family and friends. His love for the outdoors inspired him to start the Hunters’ Education and Boaters’ Safety programs in Prescott, which he taught for 20+ years.
Being a longtime resident of Prescott, Dick will be remembered for his community involvement. He unselfishly gave of his time in hope of making a better community for all. He was a member of the Prescott Lions Club, Joy Lutheran
Board of Directors, Prescott Cable Committee, Welcome and Heritage Center, The Prescott Library Board, Pine Glen Cemetery Board, Prescott Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Board, and helped with local elections. It wasn’t his intention, but he became an inspiration to many people that looked up to him through his actions.
Dick will also be remembered as a “good” man, dedicated, honest, love for nature and teaching, and a deep love for his faith, wife, and family.
Dick is preceded in death by his parents and brother Dale.
A special thank you is extended to Dr. Schill, the physicians, nurses, and staff of Regina and United hospitals for the compassionate and supportive care provided to Dick and his family.
A celebration of life is 3PM April 30, 2022 at Joy Lutheran Church, Prescott, Wisconsin. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at Joy Lutheran. Memorials are preferred to Joy Lutheran Memorial and the Prescott Lions Club.
Services entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Prescott, www.oconnellfuneralservices.com, 715-262-5404
