John Leo Hoffert

John Leo Hoffert was born in Ipswich, South Dakota on March 4, 1920 to parents Peter and Margaret Hoffart. John was the youngest of seven children of which only three were born in the United states. The other four were born in Russia before the family immigrated to the United States. Siblings, Alex, Lena, William, Beota, Mary, and Margaret have all proceeded John in death. His family was of German linage and one of many families who immigrated from Germany to Russia during the era of Peter the Great. When John was young the family moved from Ipswich, South Dakota to Portland, Oregon. John was raised in Portland and graduated from Benson Polytechnic. Post high school John proudly served as a Navy machinist during World War ll helping with the construction of air strips. He later left the armed forces as a captain in the army reserve.

John exchanged wedding vows with Marjorie Cox in Portland, Oregon on March 7, 1942. They had two children, Susan and Patricia. John's primary occupation was as a machinist. Among other jobs, he worked for Albina Engine and Machine, Nabisco, and later retired from the Portland School District in 1982. After retirement he continued to be active in his community.

In 1955, at age 35, John made the most important decision of his life. After much prayer by his wife and neighbors John agreed to attend a Christian men's meeting with neighbor Henry. The message at the meeting resonated with John. After returning home and a long conversation with Henry he gave his heart to the Lord, Jesus Christ. Since that day, John wholeheartedly served the Lord and his church, as well as as One Mission Society (OMS) and Men for Missions. He was actively involved for many years with the Evangelical Church of North America originally a German church in downtown Portland. During that time he took part in several mission trips to Ecuador. Missions was a very important part in both John and Marjorie's lives. Most recently John was an active member of Riverside Community Church. He was devoted to his evangelical congregation and showed his love for his church in countless ways. He ministered to those in need and was a comfort and support for so many. He was also involved in the physical maintenance of his former church, keeping everything running smoothly. Not long ago he was found up on the church roof helping with repairs. Heavens angels were kept very busy with John.

John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He will be remembered as a doer, giver, and someone who attracted people to himself. Being engaged in listening and simply talking with people was a great joy to him. He could always turn his hearing aids down or up as he saw fit. He will be remembered as a no frills, humble, "what you see is what you get" kind of person. He was a man of integrity and one who "walked the talk."

It can be celebrated that he sustained his strength, health, and spirit in his later life and lived independently in the same home for 67 years. John will also be remembered as someone who found more value in the journey than the destination. He enjoyed taking long drives with his family and liked taking the road less traveled. John didn't prefer to drive the shortest route and as a result he and his family found many special places off the beaten path. Trips to the gardens were a yearly event as gardening was one of his hobbies.

John is proceeded in death by his loving wife Marjorie (2006). Survivors include daughters Susan Palmer and Patricia Clinton; grandchildren Jennifer March (Curtis), Michael Palmer, Elizabeth Byrne (Tim), Virginia Keane (John); great grandchildren Christopher, Katherine, and Maximus Keane; nieces and nephews Theresa, Mickey, Sandra, Dell, Ron, Judy, and Bob; and many "adopted" daughters, sons, and grandchildren.

A celebration of John's life will be held in Crossroads Church,2505 Northeast 102nd Avenue, Portland, OR, (503) 257-9193,

on Friday, June 22nd, at 1pm.

Remebrances in lieu of flowers may be made to the Christian charity of your choice.

John was a committed follower of Jesus and we rejoice with the angels at his going home to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ. Romans 8:38-39 says "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."