Berthel Hoffman

Berthel (Bert) Robert Hoffman, 91, Fergus Falls, MN passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at PioneerCare, Fergus Falls. He was called to his heavenly home one day before his 70th wedding anniversary and two days before his 92nd birthday.

Bert was born in New Rockford, ND, February 21, 1933 to Berthel Charles and Esther (Kuck) Hoffman. When he was six months old, the family moved to Roseau, MN, where Bert attended Roseau Public Schools.

Bert proudly served in the US Army from 1951 to 1954 and was stationed in Japan and Korea during the Korean Conflict.

On February 20, 1955, he married the love of his life, Annette (Westman) Hoffman. Bert and Ann were blessed with three children, Debra (Dennis) Erickson, Robert (Barbara) Hoffman and Pamela (Myron) Mjelde.

Bert's career with Otter Tail Power Company spanned 39 years with lineman and service rep positions in Devils Lake, Rugby, Cooperstown and Casselton, North Dakota. He and Ann chose Fergus Falls as their final relocation in 1978 where Bert worked in Systems Operations as a dispatcher for Otter Tail Power Company.

Bert was always dedicated to community and service. He served many years as Scoutmaster in Cooperstown, ND as well as volunteer fireman and a member of the Keystone Cops - participating in parades throughout North Dakota and Minnesota; he's been a lifelong member of American Legion, VFW, Walk of Flags and Augustana Church in Fergus Falls. He was very proud to participate in the VFW Honor Guard and to be selected for the WDAY Honor Flight to Washington, DC.

Bert could not sit still for long. When not busy with community activities, he was an incredible woodworker. He could build almost anything and was very talented with a scroll saw. He enjoyed annual salmon fishing trips to Michigan, and catching halibut in Alaska as well as fishing many of Otter Tail County's lakes.

Bert and Ann enjoyed a long retirement, visiting all 50 states and wintering in Lake Havasu.

Bert was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Wilma Joyce, Phyllis, and Bonnie; in-laws Helge and Alfield Westman and Herdys Franklin.

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 70 years; cherished children; and grandchildren Melanie (Mark) Beckman, Hallie and Bodhi; Megan (Tristan) Zimmer, Elliana and Charles; Timothy Erickson, Anna and Lars; Nicole (Michael) Tadros, Skyla and Vienna; Naomi (Ty) Canton, Dylan and Hunter; Brandon Mjelde, Samantha and Kyle Hoffman. Bert is also survived by sisters Delores Walsh, Ardys Stein, Mary Lou Johnson and brothers Richard Hoffman and John Hoffman.

Funeral Service: 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Olson Funeral and Cremation Chapel in Fergus Falls with a visitation one hour prior to the service.

Clergy: Reverend Amy Kelly and Aaron Christensen

Military Participation: Fergus Falls VFW Post 612 and Fergus Falls American Legion Post 30

Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls

Arrangements are provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com