John Frederick Hoffman, age 83, of Abilene passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024 at his home in Abilene.
He was born July 19, 1940 near Navare, KS, the son of Wilson and Dena (Townsend) Hoffman. John spent his elementary years in rural Abilene and graduated from Chapman High School. He received his bachelor's degree from Kansas Wesleyan University in social science and physical education. He played football for Coach Gene Bissell at Kansas Wesleyan. He got his master's degree from Wichita State University. John was united in marriage to former spouse Bonnie L Mays. This union was blessed with four children; Tammy, Leah, Yale, and Erin. Upon graduating from Kansas Wesleyan, John took his first teaching job at Galva, KS where he coached football and basketball. He then moved to Claflin, KS where he again coached football and track. John spent his summers coaching Babe Ruth baseball. John and his family finally settled in McPherson, KS, where he began his career at McPherson Junior High School as the football coach and physical education teacher, later accepting a position at McPherson High School where he taught PE, coached football, boys track, and eventually coached the girls basketball team as well. John led the McPherson High School Girls Basketball team to two consecutive state championships, in 1981 and 1982. John was very admired by both his students and his athletes. Coach Hoffman was inducted into the McPherson High School Wall of Fame for his coaching achievements, and is also featured in an exhibit at the McPherson Museum. Upon leaving McPherson, John moved to Atchinson, KS, where he again coached football. Eventually, John returned to his hometown of Abilene, KS where he resided until his death.
In December of 1998 he was united in marriage to Janet (Long) Nolan. This marriage added two stepsons, Jason and Jay Nolan. John was an avid sports fan, and loved cheering on his 49ers. He enjoyed the outdoors, and spent many years fishing and boating on the various lakes of Kansas. John was a skilled craftsman, creating countless pieces of wood artwork, and following his teaching and coaching career, worked for Harbin Construction of Abilene.
John entered into eternal peace on Friday, January 26, 2024 following a brief illness. John is survived by his wife Janet, of the home. Other survivors include daughters Tammy Hoffman, Olathe, KS, Leah Ragan, Lindsborg, KS, son Yale (Tawny) Hoffman, McPherson, KS, and daughter Erin Hoffman (Jeremy Sellhorn), McPherson, KS, stepsons Jay Nolan and Jason Nolan, grandchildren Liz (Shane) Unruh, Canton, KS, Sidney (Tyler) Stockman, Lawrence, KS, Violet Boswell (Alex Conrardy), McPherson, KS, Madison (Logan) Schrag, McPherson, KS, Colby Nolan, Abilene, KS, Shamus Sellhorn, McPherson, KS , six great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Ruth Hoffman of Abilene, KS, brother-in-law Glen Schlesener, Herington, KS, nieces, nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilson and Dena Hoffman, brothers Keith and Donald Hoffman, and sister Darlene Schlesener.
The family has selected cremation. Services for John will be at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home with Pastor Lindsey Brummer officiating. His final resting place will be in the New Basil Cemetery. Friends may sign the register book until service time on Thursday.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dickinson County and may be sent in care of the Martin- Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW 3rd, Abilene, Kansas 67410.