Zachary C Hoffmann

Zachary Hoffmann, age 12, of Villard, son of Frank and Mindy Hoffmann, died Sunday, July 29, 2018 peacefully at home. After beating a brain tumor in 2011, a second, more agressive from of brain cancer developed this past December, which ultimately proved to be incurable. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m.on Friday, August 3rd at Glenwood Lutheran Church. Visitation will be Thursday, August 2nd from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Villard United Methodist Church in Villard. Visitation will also continue one hour prior to the service at Glenwood Lutheran Church. Interment will be in West Lake Amelia Cemetery in rural Villard. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood. 

Zack, or “Steve” as he came to be known by many of his friends, was born on November 8, 2005 in Alexandria, Minnesota.  He lived all of his years in rural Glenwood near Lake Amelia.  He was about to begin 7th grade this fall at Minnewaska Area Schools, which was one of his favorite places to be, among his many friends and teachers.

Zack enjoyed collecting “things”.  He loved going to stores and looking.  He didn’t always know what he was looking for, but no doubt he would find it.  As he went through his health battles, getting to go pick out a “prize” after a tough stay or appointment was something that really helped him through, and became part of his personality.  Some of his favorite collections include Pokemon cards and items, Star Wars items, Nerf guns, video games, Lego sets, and most recently, knives of all sorts. 

Zachary loved being home with his family, and often talked of someday buying the neighboring house to live in.  He had decided already that Alexandria Tech was the right school for him after graduation, because it was close and he could live at home.  He enjoyed cooking, eggs being his specialty.  He talked about opening a restaurant one day that would be called “Zack’s Eggs”.  Zack explained that the reason his eggs were so good was his special ingredient; Love.

He enjoyed fishing, swimming, taking care of his chickens, exploring outside, and time with his brothers, friends, and cousins.  Craft projects, drawing, and creating things were among his favorite things to do as well.  Zack looked forward to summer weekends at the lake, but was always eager to get back to school to his beloved teachers and friends. 

Family vacations were a highlight for Zack, Mexico being his favorite.  He loved getting up early and heading down to the beach to his grandparents.  The days with his family swimming, playing at the beach, and checking out all the fun items brought around by vendors made it the perfect combination of his favorite things.

Zack was genuine, honest and kind.  He was clever, witty, and creative.  His true happiness was apparent each and every day.  In spite of the many challenges he faced in his short time here, he remained positive and full of joy, never complaining, gritting his teeth and facing whatever obstacle he encountered.  He was always comfortable being himself, even if that was a little different.  He lived each day knowing God’s love.  One of his bibles was never far away, and often included in his travel bag along with his treasured bottle of Holy water. 

Zack is survived by his parents, Frank and Mindy (Abraham) Hoffmann, brothers Calvin and Luke Hoffmann, grandparents Lynn and Priscilla (Hansen) Hoffmann of Birchdale, MN, and Albin Jr. and Hazel (Remington) Abraham of Villard, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

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