Leslie James Hoffman, 81, of Austin, died Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, at his home. He was born March 23, 1927, near Hayward, the son of Willis George and Ingeborg “Belle” (Prestagaard) Hoffman. He attended school in Albert Lea and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1945. Following graduation, Leslie served with the United States Army. He was stationed at bases in Missouri, Texas and New Jersey attaining the rank of Sergeant while serving with signal corp. After his discharge, he returned to Minnesota where he was united in marriage to Ethel L. Barber on Sept. 12, 1953, in Austin. The couple lived near Blooming Prairie, where Leslie was employed by the Geo. A. Hormel Company from 1948 until his retirement in 1983. He enjoyed being with his family, growing tomatoes in his garden, raising his sheep and tinkering in his shop. He also loved to hear or tell a good joke, playing cards, square dancing and visiting with friends and family. He was a member of Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, a life-member of American Legion Post #52 of Blooming Prairie and served as Treasurer of the Red Oak Grove Cemetery Association for many years.
Survivors include his wife, Ethel Hoffman of Austin; three children, Marcia (Darrel) Peterson of Rapid City, S.D., Mark (Ginger) Hoffman of Pequot Lakes and Mike (Julie) Hoffman of Blooming Prairie; eight grandchildren, Steve (Gretchen) Lundeen, Marin (Beau) Maxon, Seth Lundeen, John Mark (Autumn) Lundeen, Zachary Hoffman, Ethan Hoffman, Carley Hoffman and Kyle Hoffman; three great-grandchildren, Justin Burns, Hannah and Asa Lundeen; one brother, Harold Hoffman of Austin; one sister-in-law. Harriet Hoffman of Austin and many other relatives and friends.  He was preceeded in death by his parents; two brothers, Joe and Wilfred “Bud” Hoffman and two sisters, Orla Knudson and Gennieve Jordet.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church with the Rev. Gene Leiter, officiating. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery with military honors by members of VFW Post 878 and American Legion Post #52 of Blooming Prairie. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., today at the Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.
Memorials are preferred to the Red Oak Lutheran Cemetery Fund or the Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church Debt Reduction Fund.