Stephen E. Hoffman , age 73 of Ridott, IL, passed away at home on Friday, March 9, 2018. Steve was born August 9, 1944 in Dover, PA; the son of the late Wayne and G. Mary (Early) Hoffman. He graduated from Dover High School in 1963. He joined the United States Army in March of 1964. Steve was stationed in Fulda, Germany for 30 months. He was honorably discharged in March of 1967.

Steve moved to Freeport, IL in May, 1967, that summer he picked peas and sweet corn for Green Giant. On January 8, 1968, he began working for Intercity Box and Plastic Co. in Freeport. He also joined their bowling team. He worked there for 27 years until it closed in 1995.

Steve and Sally Ann Thoman were married June 28, 1970 at First Lutheran Church of Freeport. He was a very active member of the church and had served on the church council and property committee. He was also an usher and offering counter.

Steve and Sally built a cottage in Northern Wisconsin on Bass Lake in 1983. He really enjoyed fishing, boating and snowmobiling at the cottage. At home in the summer, Steve's joy was driving his 1930 Model A Ford through the country side and planting and tending his huge garden. Then in the winter, he was building and painting wind choppers and refinishing antique furniture.

Steve is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sally and twin sons, Eric and his wife Pam and Daniel and his wife Hillary; one granddaughter, Paige Ann; and two step-granddaughters, Alex and Addison. He had five brothers, Wayne (Jean), Joe, James (Rebecca), David, Guy (Debra); three sisters, Mary, Bessie (Kenneth), and Jane (Frank); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.