Bernard Thomas Hofmann

Bernard Hofmann, “Bernie,” passed away on December 22, 2022 at the age of 93. Son of Arthur Wendel and Veronica Hofmann, Bernie, the youngest of three children, was born in San Jose, California where he attended St. Leo grammar school, Bellarmine College Prep, two years at Maryknoll Seminary in Los Altos, and then transferred to Santa Clara University (SCU). In his Sophomore year Bernie chose to enlist in the USAF to serve in the Korean War. After he completed his service he returned to SCU and graduated with a BA in History, and ultimately received his Teaching Credential and Masters in Education from Stanford University. Bernie was a recipient of the Bellarmine Athletic Hall of Fame for his successful track achievements, and still holds a track record to this day. During the Korean War, Bernie supported a combat unit as a typist often joking, “I never retreated-I only backspaced.” He also represented the USAF as a runner in post WWII Pan-Asian games.

1957 was a banner year for Bernie—he finished his education, began his 35 year World History teaching career at Washington High School in Fremont, CA, and most importantly, married Connie Jacobsen, a San Jose State Univ. co-ed who he met while attending SCU. On June 1, 2022 they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Together they raised four children and created a lifetime of memories traveling to sites in the ancient world Bernie covered as a world history teacher. Bernie often ended up being tour guide rather than tourist. Some of these sites included China, Nepal, Egypt, Greece, Spain, Turkey, Eastern Europe and Thailand. In 2003, after 47 years in Fremont, they moved to Lincoln, CA where Bernie truly enjoyed the fruits of his labor…golfing - especially trips to Myrtle Beach and working on his lightning fast backswing, reading, traveling and of course enjoying family - especially camping at Silver Lake in Eldorado National forest where memories will continue to be created by his children and grandchildren singing around the campfire, hiking, swimming in potholes and toasting Bernie with his favorite “bourbon and Fresca”.

When asked if he’d ever had a “mid-life crisis” he answered, “I only wanted three things in life: to be a husband, father and teacher. I’ve accomplished all I desired.” His family and friends can emphatically state that Bernie was a successful

man having achieved all that he desired and then some.

Bernie is preceded in death by his brother, Fr. Arthur Wendel Hofmann, and sister, Connie Wilson (Chuck). He is survived by his beloved wife, Connie; his four children, Wendel Hofmann, Barbara Evans, Jennifer Kaufman (Doug) and Casey Kopp (Duane); grandchildren, Matthew Evans (Jasmine), Catherine Pedersen (Ralston), Michael Kaufman, Julia Hofmann, John Evans (Shelby), Stephen Kaufman, Kristen Kopp, Luke Evans, Joseph Kaufman, Owen Kopp and great-grandchild Clara Pedersen.

Bernie is also survived by his best friend of 80 years Henry (Hank) Bielefeld. Their adventures alone could fill a book. Their last words for each other “I love you like a brother.”

Bernie was a man of deep faith, a life-long Catholic. This was apparent in how he conducted his life. He set the bar high for being a good husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, in-law and friend.

All services will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 280 Oak Tree Ln, Lincoln, CA 95648

Tuesday, January 3, Visitation 4:00—5:00pm followed by the Vigil and Rosary at 6pm.

Wednesday, January 4, Funeral Mass at 11:00am followed by a reception in the church hall.

Our family gives heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Father Fredhelito, his staff, St Joseph's Parishioners, Family, Friends, AAR Quality Care Home in Lincoln, CA , First Choice Hospice in Citrus Heights, CA, and all his wonderful and caring Sutter Doctors.

Bernie Hofmann was greatly loved by all, and by God the most. He was a good and faithful servant.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Vincent De Paul, care of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lincoln, CA