WATERLOO — John Hoffman passed away October 12, 2025 at Rochester General Hospital. John lived for 73 years with quiet independence, love for others, and a deep respect for the outdoors.

Family and friends may call 3-6 PM Friday, October 24, at Coe-Genung Funeral Home, 46 W. Main St., Waterloo. The graveside service will be 11 AM Saturday, October 25, in Maple Grove Cemetery, officiated by the Rev. Jeffrey Haaugard. A celebration of life will be held 11 AM Saturday, November 15, at St. Paul's Church.

John pursued many passions—conservation, service to St. Paul's Church, military history and time with friends. With dual degrees in Environmental Conservation and Forestry, he served for 42 years at the Reynolds Game Farm in Ithaca, raising over 1 million pheasants. He also was an avid collector of memorabilia, reflecting his deep expertise in military campaigns, local history, classic cinema, railroads and sports.

John celebrated all seasons. He loved delivering pheasant chicks to young 4-Hers in the spring. He showed his explosive love of summertime on Independence Day. The fall would find him hunting in the fields. During the holidays he shared stories, and candy canes, with everyone he met at the gas station, stores, movie theatres, physical therapy and St. Paul's Church. People who touched John's life often became recipients of his generosity.

John is survived by his brother Jeff and wife Debbie; their children Samuel (Gabrielle Katz), Sean and Sarah; and his cousin Dr. James Manwaring. He was preceded in death by his parents Rutherford and Esther (Manwaring) Hoffman; and his brother Peter.

You may honor John's memory by making a gift to St. Paul's Church, 101 E. Williams St., Waterloo 13165; or Pheasants Forever, 1783 Buerkle Circle, St. Paul., MN 55110 (specify local chapter #0967).

John's presence will be missed by those who shared his passions, and his commitment to safeguarding the natural world for future generations. His legacy lives on in every sunrise over the fields, every bird that takes flight, and every well-worn book or treasured coin that sparked his imagination.