Joseph “Joe” B. Hoffman

MOUNT HOPE - Joseph B. Hoffman, age 68, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, on Tuesday October 14, 2025, at his residence in Mount Hope. He was born on May 13, 1957, in Lancaster the son of Robert “Bob” and Elizabeth “Betty” (Riemenapp) Hoffman. Joe married his high school sweetheart and love of his life Catherine “Cathy” Mergen on August 20, 1977, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington.

After graduating from West Grant High School, Joe proudly served in the National Guard for four years before being honorably discharged. He began college at UW–Platteville, but his heart remained with the land. He started farming alongside his brother, Pat. Joe and Cathy continued building their farming life in Fennimore before purchasing their own farm in Mount Hope in 1983 – a place that would become the heart of their family life.

Joe worked part time for the Post Office, eventually becoming a full-time rural mail carrier. He spent several years delivering mail in Boscobel and later returned to Mount Hope before retiring due to health complications. His dedication, reliability, and strong work ethic defined everything he did.

A devoted man, Joe was an active member of the St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church and served on their Parish Counsel along with their Cemetery Association. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Mount Hope American Legion, and a past member of the Mount Hope Fire Department.

Joe had a gift for connecting with others. His warm smile, quick wit, and sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was the kind of person who showed up when it mattered, lent a hand without hesitation, and could brighten a room with one of his stories.

But above all, Joe was a family man and instilled the importance of staying grounded in faith and family. His greatest joy came from being present in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He took pride in watching them grow, teaching them the importance and value of hard work, and caring for the farm and others. He will be deeply missed.

Joe is survived by his wife Cathy, and children: Sarah Hoffman of New York, New York, Tim (Jen) Hoffman of Mount Hope, and Katie (Will) Glanville of Highland. Five grandchildren: Joseph, Samuel, and Qynn Hoffman, and George and Grace Glanville. Siblings: Jim (Pam) Hoffman, Pat (Julie) Hoffman, Barb (Richard) Nies, Linda (Richard) Nechvatal, Carol (Rob) Disque, Jerry (Betty) Hoffman, Mary (Mark) Kellogg. Sisters and brothers-in-law: Karen Berry, Steve (Sharon) Mergen, Dan (Pam) Mergen, Karla (Dan) Klinkhammer, Ken (Nancy) Mergen, Tim Mergen, Louise (Jim) Iverson, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Elizabeth Hoffman, father and mother-in-law George and Bernice Mergen, and brother-in-law Gregg Berry.

The Mount Hope Fire Department will be honoring Joe’s dedication to their department with the “Fireman’s Last Call” ceremony prior to the start of visitation in the church hall.