Dr. Robert F. Hoffman

LANCASTER - Dr. Robert Findley Hoffman, age 73, passed away on May 27, 2024, at his home. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife Nancy, their children Erin (Brad) Vesperman, Pete (Amara) Hoffman and his grandchildren Grace, Findley, Jack and Sosie who affectionately called him “Poppi.”

Bob was born April 21, 1951, to Paul and Kay (McConnell) Hoffman. In his younger years, Bob was active in numerous sport teams, choir, and frequenting Steve’s Pizza at least three times a week with friends and hanging out at the Pink Pony. He graduated from Lancaster High School in 1969. 

After high school, Bob attended UW Platteville and then the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. There, he and Nancy became avid Hawkeye fans! After dental school, Bob served two years of active duty in the United States Navy at Camp Lejeune, NC. Upon returning to Lancaster in 1979, Bob joined Lancaster Dental Associates and eventually took over the practice in its entirety. He practiced dentistry for 37 years and was proud to work with his son Pete for the last 8 years before retiring in 2016.

Bob had many hobbies and was a part of numerous local organizations. He was exceptionally talented at golf and passed on that love for the game in his children. He won many local championships and qualified to play in the Wisconsin State Amateur Tournament in 1998. After retirement, Bob discovered a talent for drawing and painting. He gravitated toward watercolor and “appreciated” the critiques from Nancy. Another favorite pastime was singing in the St Clement Choir where lifelong friendships were made. If you couldn’t find Bob on the golf course or at his drawing table, he was on a stream casting a line or chasing after the grandkids and all their activities. Bob served on the Lancaster School Board, Grant Regional Health Center Board of Directors, the Lancaster Community Fund Board, and many more organizations that served his community. 

Bob is remembered for his welcoming smile, his baby blue eyes and his calm, “everything will be alright” attitude. His energy was infectious, and his selflessness was inspiring. During his three-year cancer journey, Bob never once uttered a single complaint or questioned “why me?” He handled everything that was sent his way with dignity and grace. Whether he was your family, friend, or dentist, we can all agree we were fortunate and blessed to have him in our lives. 

Bob is survived by his brother Steve (Yvonne) Hoffman, sister-in-law Kathy (Chuck) Hernett, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Stanley and Aleise Wetter, and sister-in-law Chris Hoffman. 

A Mass of Christian Burial with military honors accorded by the Richard Burns American Legion Post No. 109 and the William Pollock VFW Post No. 2344 will be held on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Msgr. Tom Baxter officiating.  A private family burial will be held at a later date.   Family and friends may call on Monday, June 3, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church and on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church.  In lieu of plants and flowers, donations may be made to Grant Regional Health Center Foundation or St. Clement School.   Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster is entrusted with his care.