Michael F. Hoffman



Ellen (Coleman), Michael, Julius Hoffman
Michael enlisted in the U.S. Navy October 28,1965. He took thirteen weeks of recruit training in San Diego, California, and five months of Radio School in San Diego. Then he went on to New London, Connecticut, for two months of Submarine School. Mike served as a RM2 on the submarines, Bluegill and Salmon. He was discharged in San Diego on October 28, 1969.


USS Bluegill (SSK-242 and AGSS-242) 1953-1969


USS Salmon AGSS-573

Christmas card to Mike's grandparents

Letter to Michael's grandparents, Herbert and Margaret Hinze
Note: Yoko is Yokosuka in Honshu, Japan at the entrance of the Tokyo Bay.

Dear Grandma and Grandpa
Have to get my Xmas cards sent before we leave Yoko, Japan. We will be at sea for Xmas. Can always remember the good times we always had coming out to the farm for Xmas. If we didn't come out to the farm Xmas Eve it just wasn't Xmas. This will be the fourth Xmas I have been away, and the last I hope. Things are going very well this run. We have just departed Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Bound for Yoko, Japan. We should be at sea another 12 or 13 days. Will have to wait until our arrival in Yoko to mail these. The new ship I am on, rides like a cruiser, doesn't hardly bounce an inch, it isn't like the old Bluegill. All we ever did was bob up and down like a cork. By now the farmers should be well on their way with corn harvesting. Another two or three weeks they will all be sitting back waiting for winter to come and go again, so they can get back into the field. By the sound of things in mom's letters, they might be moving to Chicago. Can't say as I blame dad, he has really worked hard and deserves a little easier job. Well can't think of anything more to write. Give everyone my best this year and hope to be home next Xmas.
Sincerely, Mike

PS: Happy birthday Grandpa, hope you get a lot of apricot brandy and chocolate covered cherries for Xmas.


Michael Hoffman

Visitation Friday, January 8, 2021 at 10:00 am - 11:00 am Ohde Funeral Home, Manning
Service Friday, January 8, 2021 at 11:00 am Ohde Funeral Home

Michael Francis Hoffman, son of Julius and Pearl Ellen (Coleman) Hoffman, was born May 13, 1947, in Manning, Iowa. Mike grew up in Manning, graduating from Manning High School in 1965. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a radioman on a submarine. Upon being honorably discharged, Mike returned to Iowa. He worked at APCO Gas Station in Manning and then farmed near Irwin for a short time before settling on his present farm near Exira.

Mike was a farmer at heart. During the 45 years he spent on his farm, Mike particularly enjoyed raising cattle and all that went with it. During this time, he also drove truck with the Asberry family.

On Sunday, January 3, 2021, Mike passed away peacefully and unexpectedly at his home near Exira, Iowa. He was 73 years, 7 months, and 20 days of age.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents and numerous aunts and uncles. He is survived by two aunts: Marian Long of Carroll and Shirley (Coleman) Dewiller of Dryden, Washington; and by many cousins and friends.