Paul Michael Hoffman

Paul M. Hoffman Sr. age 71 of Clintonville, passed away on Thursday May 12, 2022 at Ascension Northeast Wisconsin St. Elizabeth Hospital, Appleton, after complications from knee surgery.

Paul Michael Hoffman Sr. was born June 5, 1950 in Clintonville, WI, the youngest of four children born to the late Paul F. & Loretta (Schoenheide) Hoffman. He was a 1968 graduate of Clintonville High School and received a full athletic scholarship to attend Ripon College where he played football and baseball. A second-year knee injury meant that his football playing days were over, but he still was able to play baseball until graduation. He then attended Northern Michigan University where he earned his Master’s Degree in Education; he also was the assistant defensive coach for the football program. Paul also coached for the Kansas State University football program; to this day, friends and professional colleagues would still refer to him as “Coach.” Paul was united in marriage to Kathryn Merrick on July 10, 1976 in Marquette, MI; the couple were blessed with three children. He worked for the Soo Line Railroad in Escanaba, MI for a time, but then found his calling in the insurance / real estate world, working in corporate insurance for about 25 years. During this time, the family moved to the Chewelah, WA area where he started his own insurance firm, Paul Hoffman & Co. Paul loved hard work, and in addition to his insurance business, they owned and operated a 120-acre beef ranch. Sports was always a passion for Paul, and he followed the professional teams but really loved to coach and watch his children’s sporting events as they grew up. His ability to easily have a conversation with anyone, helped him greatly in his professional life, but that’s who he was in real life as well. Socialization, parties, hosting dinners and drinks with Paul behind the grill was something friends and family always looked forward to. He enjoyed a good Martini and loved to try different beers. The family remembers good times spending nice days on the water; he loved to boat and swim. Paul and Kathryn traveled to Mexico multiple times and absolutely loved it down there. Only just last year, they moved back to Clintonville so they could be closer to old friends, and a place where they considered home. He also joined Christus Lutheran Church when they returned, where he was an active member. Paul will be remembered for his larger-than-life, outgoing personality, his honesty, his story telling, and the love he had for family and friends.

Paul is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kathryn
Daughters: Kate (Jason) Couey, Spokane, WA & Tessa (David) Jones, Houston, TX
Son: Paul (Christina) Hoffman Jr., Seattle, WA
Grandchildren: Shao (Julia) Hoffman-Sanchez, Macy, Emma, Max, & Sophia Hoffman
A great-grandchild due to be born in November
Long-time friends who are considered family: Tom “Razz” Kroll, Willy Sasse, Terry “Fluff” Kroll, & Mark Knobel

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Lorraine Salzman & May Miller; and a brother, Robert Hoffman.

Memorial services will be held 11 AM Thursday, May 19, 2022 at Christus Lutheran Church, Clintonville, with the Rev. Shelly Klemp officiating. 
A time of visitation will take place on Thursday at the church from 9 AM until the time of service.

The Hoffman family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at St. Elizabeth’s I.C.U., especially Janet, Maria, and his surgeon, Dr. Jay Minorik. As Paul’s Earthly life had come to an end, he and the Hoffman family had the opportunity to save another life through a liver donation; and help many others through American Tissue Services and the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin. 

Memorials in Paul’s name may be directed to the family for a donation to the Clintonville High School Recreation Center to be used for children’s swimming lessons. Paul has always been an avid swimmer and had really enjoyed the facility during his time here. 

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville is assisting the Hoffman family.

An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.