Robert Hoffmann

Robert F. Hoffmann, 86, of Maine Township, died Monday, February 25, 2008, at the Battle Lake Good Samaritan Center in Battle Lake, Minnesota. He was born April 6, 1921 in Brainerd, MN the son of Henry and Ellen (Gedosch) Hoffmann. Bob grew up in Brainerd, graduating from high school in 1939 and Brainerd Community College in 1941. In 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the South Pacific. He was discharged in 1946 with the rank of Lieutenant. While in the Navy he attended Gustavus Adolphus and Harvard colleges as part of officer training. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science and psychology from the University of Minnesota in 1948 and a Master's degree in hospital administration in 1950. After graduation he came to Fergus Falls to accept the position of administrator at Wright Memorial Hospital. He married Delores (Dee) Frees on June 9, 1951. When Wright Memorial Hospital merged with St. Luke's he left briefly to become administrator of Meeker County Memorial Hospital in Litchfield, MN. He returned in 1952 to become assistant superintendant at the Fergus Falls State Hospital. He was appointed administrator in 1962 and became the Chief Executive Officer in 1972. Bob was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, VFW, American Legion and a past member of Jaycees. He believed in serving his community by being active as an officer in P.T.A., Red Cross and Community Chest. He was also active in "Reading for the Blind". During his 32 years of service at the Regional Treatment Center there were several new units added to the campus, including: Drug Dependency, Developmentally Disabled, Summer Camp at Long Lake, Vocational Education, and a separate program for emotionally disturbed adolescents. This led to the Hospital being accredited for the first time by the Joint Commission on Accreditation. Bob credited this to a very dedicated staff, especially those working directly with the residents. Bob was selected by the Minnesota Welfare Association to serve on a State Task Force that was devoted to the planning of a new comprehensive welfare bill. The bill was presented to the Minnesota Legislature. Bob was also a member of the Governor's Commission on Drug Dependency. On August 2, 1983, Bob was completely surprised when he received a telephone call from the director of the Minnesota Public Welfare proclaiming that day to be Robert F. Hoffmann day. In his own words, Bob was "shocked, overjoyed and humbled" by this day of celebration. Bob retired in 1984. He stayed active in the mental health field. He served on the board of several non-profit human service organizations. He became chairman of the board of New Horizons Outreach Center Inc. It was a drop-in center for those who had been discharged from the hospital. He was on the advisory board of the Drug Dependency Center (DDRC) of the Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center. He was project director of the Northwest Minnesota Regional Task Force which was involved in mental health programs and human services care in a 16 county area. Bob was also on the board of directors of the Minnesota Retired Employees Association in St. Paul, MN. Bob was a very strong and loving Father. Bob was active in outdoor activities. He shared his love of hunting, fishing, sailing, golf and gardening with his children and friends. There are many cherished memories from Pickerel Lake. He enjoyed spending time with Dee and his children boating, pulling them waterskiing, sailing, and basking in the sun. He also enjoyed competing with the fellow gardeners in the neighborhood to see who could grow the first or largest tomato. Bob is survived by his wife, Dee of 56 years; his brother, Ray, of Brainerd; his children, Bruce Hoffmann of Fergus Falls, Scott (Jewell) Hoffmann of Brainerd, MN, Sue (Barry) Shonblom of Moorhead, MN, and Mark Hoffmann of Maple Grove, MN; nine grandchildren: Brandon and Nicholas Hoffmann, Seth Engelstad, Mollie and Steve Hoffmann, Michael and Jason Shonblom, and Sam and Katerina Hoffmann; and two great-grandchildren, Isaac and Abigail Engelstad. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Carol.      Memorials are preferred to Grace United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.                Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Saturday at Grace United Methodist Church in Fergus Falls Clergy:      Reverend Dr. Daren Flinck      Interment:Will be at a later date at Oak Grove Cemetery in Fergus Falls Military Participation: Fergus Falls VFW and American Legion      Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com