Riley High School
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Riley High School
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Riley High School
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In Memory
Eugene John Hoffner - Class Of 1948
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Eugene John Hoffner
June 29, 1930 ~ October 29, 2026
Eugene “Gene” Hoffner, age 96, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away on October 29, 2026. He was born on June 29, 1930, in South Bend, Indiana, to Thomas Hoffner and Frances Hoffner. Gene married Leatha Hoffner on September 5, 1953, in South Bend, Indiana. Together, they shared many years of marriage and built a family whose love and memories remain part of his lasting legacy.
Gene graduated from Riley High School and went on to complete five years of vocational apprenticeship at City Pattern, where he developed the skills and work ethic that would guide his long career. He served his country honorably as a Navy veteran for eight years, including service during the Korean War, and carried that sense of duty and discipline throughout his life. Gene was a respected pattern/model maker and worked for City Pattern, Garvey Pattern, and Elkhart Pattern Works. He was also a member of the Union Pattern Makers of America and IAM, the International Aeronautics Machinists, and he was proud of the craftsmanship and fellowship that came with his profession.
Gene was deeply committed to his faith and church family. He was highly involved with Northway Church of Christ, where he served faithfully as an Elder Emeritus, Bible School Teacher, and a steady example of kindness, humility, and devotion. He also gave his time to the Patternmaker League of North America, the American Legion, and as a Boy Scout Leader, always willing to encourage others and share his knowledge and experience. Those who knew him will remember his quiet strength, his dependable nature, and the way he lived out his beliefs through service to others.
In his personal life, Gene found joy in the simple and meaningful things. He enjoyed wood splitting, woodworking, and spending time outdoors. He appreciated honest labor, practical skills, and the satisfaction of creating something lasting with his hands. His interests reflected the same patience and care that he brought to every part of his life.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Hoffner and Frances Hoffner; his wife, Leatha Janis Hoffner; and his brothers, Thomas Hoffner and Leo Hoffner. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa (Thomas Szalewski) Kruszewski; his son, Jason (Kimberly) Hoffner; his grandsons, Kevin (Melissa Day) Kruszewski, Jr., David (Skyler) Kruszewski, Theodore (Abby Spitaels) Szalewski, and Andrew Heady; and 13 great-grandchildren. His family will cherish his memory and the legacy of faith, service, and hard work that he leaves behind.
Gene lived a long and honorable life marked by dedication to his family, his country, his church, and his trade. He will be remembered with love and respect by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Visitation will be from 12:00pm - 1:00pm with services beginning at 1:00pm on Tuesday, November 10th, 2026 at Palmer Funeral Homes - Hickey Chapel, 17031 Cleveland Rd, South Bend, IN 46635. Burial to follow at Highland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Northway Church of Christ. Palmer Funeral Homes - Hickey Chapel is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
11/08/2026 djb
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