Mathias L. Hoffmann

Mathias Hoffmann, age 91, of Appleton, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday morning, October 26, 2017. Math was born in Campbellsport, Wisconsin on May 4, 1926, son of the late Leo A. and Lillian (Froehling) Hoffmann. From 1944 until 1946, he faithfully served his country as a member of the United States Army, serving in the Philippines as well as in Japan. For his brave service, he was awarded two Bronze Stars. Following his military service, Math enrolled at Marquette University, and graduated with the class of 1950.

Math enjoyed downhill and cross-country skiing, camping trips by canoe, ice skating, tennis, hiking, fishing, bow hunting, and roller-bladed into his 70’s! A born singer, Math enjoyed singing with the Sacred Heart Choirs, and playing his trombone his entire life. He was also an avid reader and winemaker.

He is survived by his wife: Helena (Rittmanic) Hoffmann whom he married on July 19, 1952. Their marriage was blessed with seven children; six of whom survive: Leo Hoffmann of Appleton; Karl (Marilyn) Hoffmann, MD of Reedsburg; Kate (Michael) Hetzer of Waunakee; Joseph (Pam) Hoffmann of Appleton; John (Charlotte) Hoffmann of Montello; and Mark (Kerry) Hoffmann, MD of Wausau. There are sixteen loving grandchildren: Reuben Hoffmann, Keegan Hoffmann, Mary Hoffmann, Zachary (Ellen) Hetzer, Ellisa Hetzer, Anna Hetzer, Rebecca (Brad) Siebers, Jude Hoffmann, Stephanie Hoffmann, Mathias Hoffmann, Phillip (Emily) Hoffmann, Maurijean (Kyle) Prouty, Alex Hoffmann, Jeremy (Bethany) Hoffmann, Malinda Hoffmann, and Adam Hoffmann. There are also nine great-grandchildren; two sisters: Ruth (Bob) Hayward of Denver and Ann Hale of West Bend; and three sisters-in-law: Barbara Rittmanic of Bradley, IL, Kate Ochwat of Denver, and Jane Hoffmann of Hartford, WI. Math was preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother Malinda (Haack), a son Jude in 1978, and siblings Art (Sally) Hoffmann, Jane (Sam Salaja, Geno Scudella), and W.C. Phillip (Gloria) Hoffmann.

The funeral liturgy for Math will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH, 222 E. Fremont Street in Appleton, with Fr. Donald Zuleger officiating. Full military honors will follow the Mass. Interment will take place at St. Mary Cemetery, Appleton. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church on Tuesday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the Mass. For more information or to share a memory of Math, please visit www.wichmannfargo.com. Memorials are appreciated to the Jude Hoffmann and Lisa Kampf Scholarship fund at Xavier High School.

Mathias’ family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Affinity Hospice, as well as Math’s special caretakers: Barbie, Jan, Thyra, and Lois.