John Edward Hoff Jr., 79, of Duluth, died Feb. 22, 2013 at his home surrounded by family, friends, and pets. Despite battling cancer, he lived life to the fullest.
John was born on Nov. 18, 1933 in Duluth, to Edith and John E. Hoff Sr.
He was part of the first graduating class at East High School and continued his education at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
John operated F.I. Salter Real Estate Company for over 40 years, which he took over from his father and the business is still owned and managed by his son Sandy. John received many awards and recognitions from the real estate industry, including a certificate of accommodation from Governor Karl F. Rolvaag in 1963.
Over his 79 years he was involved with numerous community groups and organizations including 48 years in Duluth Rotary Club 25 where he received the “Service above Self” award and achieved 100% attendance. He especially enjoyed his involvement with Rotary International’s Exchange Programs in which he hosted countless students in his home.
John was a pioneer in the snowmobiling industry and was recognized by Ski Doo as their “Most Loyal Customer” in the history of the brand.
John shared his passion for adventure with many people. These adventures included motorcycle trips across the country, boat excursions throughout the Great Lakes, and epic snowmobile journeys throughout the northwoods.
Some of John’s favorite places were the hunting camp at Sullivan Lake, the family island on Lake Vermillion and his kitchen where he created many gourmet meals and his famous seasoning SPOG.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Edith and John Sr. and his first wife, Cynthia Clark.
John is survived by three children, Cynthia (James) Holton, Duluth, Sanford (Natalie) Hoff, Duluth, Jay (Kris) Hoff, Bellefonte, Penn.; three step children, Christopher (Elizabeth) Howe, Telluride, Colo., Elizabeth Howe, Chesapeake, Va., Timothy Howe, Duluth; grandchildren, Daniel (Megan) Maki, Braden and Callie Hoff, Henry Howe, Bailey and Henry Hoff; one great grandchild Elsie Maki; his brother David C. (Ruthie) Hoff, Aspen, Colo.; Christopher, Elizabeth and Timothy’s mother Jeanne Dougherty; and endless friends and neighbors.
John was a mentor to so many, he will be greatly missed.
VISITATION: 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Dougherty Funeral Home. Visitation will continue Wednesday from 12 Noon to the 1 p.m. service in Pilgrim Congregational Church, 2310 E 4th St. Duluth. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery.
Memorials are preferred and may be directed to Rotary Club 25 Westmoreland Foundation, 505 W Superior St. Duluth, MN 55802. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd St. Duluth, (218) 727-3555.
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L D.
Duluth, MN 02/24/2013 9:33 AM
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Peter K.
To the Hoff family and Chris, Liz, and Tim. I was sorry to read of John's death. John was a true renaissance man, tinkering with a snowmobile one minute, and than appearing in court as an expert witness on real estate matters the next. He always had a twinkle in his eye, and I enjoyed many great conversations with him. I also liked observing the friendship he and the late Bill Meierhoff had with each other. It was genuine and rare. Duluth and his family has lost another one of it's outstanding citizens and we will remember him fondly. Peter KoskinenSuperior, WI 02/25/2013 11:46 AM
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