Gerald Dean Hoffman

Gerald Dean Hoffman, 89, North Manchester, Indiana, passed away on November 7, 2022, at his home. Born in the small town of Gilead on December 24, 1932, Dean was the son of the late Ellis and Mary Ellen (Keim) Hoffman. Dean’s mother passed away when he was young, and his father then married Alta Yarian.

Dean joined the United States Air Force before graduating from high school. He later completed his GED and attended the University of Nebraska and Wichita State University. He made a career in the Air Force and spent twenty-three years serving his country proudly, eventually earning Air Force Master Sergeant. Dean was a fifty-year member of the American Legion and Air Force Sergeant Association. He also held memberships in the North Manchester Moose, Masonic Deming Lodge 88, North Manchester, and Shriners International.

After retiring from the military, Dean drove semi-truck for Pierceton Trucking, owned his own trucking company, and hauled for his brother Don. On September 30, 2005, Dean married Delora “Dee” Fausnight-Hapner, and for seventeen years the two shared many laughs and good times. Those lucky enough to cross paths with Dean will always remember him for his gift of gab, ability to tell stories and sharp memory.

The loving memory of Gerald Dean Hoffman will be forever cherished by his wife, Dee Hoffman, North Manchester; son, Robert Dean Hoffman, Wichita, Kansas; one grandchild; and three great-grandchildren. Dean was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother; son, Charles Thurman Hoffman; infant daughter, Juanita Hoffman; and brother and sister-in-law, Donald William and Sharon Hoffman.

Family and friends may call Thursday, November 10, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester with Masonic funeral rites beginning at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 11, 2022, at 12:00 with calling beginning at 11:00 a.m. at McKee Mortuary. Pastor J.P. Freeman will officiate and burial will be held at Gilead Cemetery, 14493 State Road 19, Macy, Indiana.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Gerald Dean Hoffman, memorial contributions may be made to Parkview Home Health and Hospice, 1900 Carew Street, Suite 6, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46805, American Legion Post #286, 215 East Main Street, North Manchester, Indiana 46962 or Moose Family Center, 207 East Main Street, North Manchester, Indiana 46962.

The family of Gerald Dean Hoffman has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.