Wendell L. Hoffman

Wendell L. Hoffman, 94, of Vandalia, Illinois, formerly of Bingham, Illinois, passed away Sunday, February 16, 2020, at Fayette County Hospital, LTC, in Vandalia, IL.

Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, February 21, 2020, at First United Methodist Church, Vandalia, IL, with Pastor Cliff Crockett and Terry Westerfield, officiating. Burial will follow at Prairie Cemetery, Rural Ramsey, IL, with Military Rites by Crawford-Hale American Legion Post #95, Brownstown VFW Post #9770 and Anderson-Scroggins Post #460 Ramsey. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Thursday, February 20, 2020, at FUMC Vandalia, IL and 1 hour prior to the service on Friday. Memorials: First United Methodist Church, and/or Crawford-Hale Post #95, American Legion, Vandalia, IL. Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.millerfh.net.

He was born March 2, 1925, in Vera, IL, the son of Albert & Minnie Henrietta (Kresin) Hoffman. Married Thelma Arlene Nave on January 5, 1946, rural Ramsey, IL. Wendell graduated from Ramsey High School in 1943 and enlisted in the US Navy, where he served in the armed guard aboard three merchant vessels. He was awarded Europe-Africa, Middle East, Asiatic-Pacific and World War II victory ribbons.

He was Fayette County's first Outstanding Farmer, ranking 8th in the state contest in 1960. In 1969 and again in 1979, the Hoffman family were featured in International Harvester World magazine and also in Prairie Farmer magazine in 1991.
Wendell was elected and served as director and chairman of the Fayette Co. Soil & Water Conservation Board for a number of years. Also, as secretary for council 10, which included three counties. After retiring from the board, his family was awarded the Conservation Farm Family of Fayette County in 1975.

He served on the board of his local church for many years as lay leader, chairman and other offices. He was a high school class-Sunday School teacher for over 30 years, a position he enjoyed the most. Member of  First United Methodist Church; and American Legion Post #95, Vandalia, IL.

Wendell was elected to the Ramsey School District #204 Board, serving as secretary and chairman for 6 years. He was on the Fayette Service Co. board from 1981-1990, serving as chairman the last five years. He served several years on the board of the Ramsey Saddle Club, and was a member of Fayette Co. Farm Bureau.
 
He was known by many as the "Quarter Man" and in recent years as the "Gold Dollar Man." He loved the Lord, his family, his country and the American Flag. His favorite past-time was riding horses and teaching others to ride, especially his grandchildren. 

After 53 years of farming, he and Arlene retired in 1999 and moved to Branson West, MO, where he spent his retirement as an usher, and the past 10 years working for the Clay Cooper Country Express in Branson, MO. 

He is survived by: Wife - Arlene Hoffman, Vandalia, IL; Daughter - Janice Knodle & Gary, Fillmore, IL; Sons - Roger Hoffman & Rita, East Peoria, IL and Kent Hoffman & Beth, Vandalia, IL; Grandchildren - Todd Knodle & Amy and Mark Knodle & Julie, Jennifer Hoffman, Megan Goodman & Bill,  Wesley Hoffman & Jenny and Lynn Portz & Brad; Great Grandchildren - Katie Wollerman & Austin, Lacey, Ethan, Cody & Ty Knodle, Owen & Eli Goodman, Kalli and Milli Portz; and Sister - Evelyn Probst, Ramsey, IL. 

Preceded in death by: Parents; and 1 Sister - May Della Probst.

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