Obituary of Gary Hoffman

Gary John Hoffman was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 15, 1950. He was the son of the late Merlin Frederick and Laverne (Coates) Frederick Hoffman. Gary was adopted and raised by his stepfather: Stephan Hoffman. Gary attended Trenton and Airport High Schools, but later earned his GED. He served his country honorably as a member of the United States Navy. Gary was a member of the Carleton VFW Post 4093. He had a passion for motorcycles. Gary loved to take his bikes to shows regularly. He also was a talented woodworker. Gary married Karen Smith and from this union he raised a stepson. For more than thirty years Gary was employed by the Ford Motor Company as a Hi-Lo Driver. He took a medical retirement in 2006. Gary John Hoffman age 62 of Lambertville passed away at 10:00am, Sunday, September 9, 2012 in the Emergency Department of Toledo Hospital. In addition to his father and stepfather his passing was preceded by a brother: Alan Hoffman. To cherish his memory he leaves a son: Jeff (Jayme) Kraehnke of Monroe; his mother: Laverne Hoffman of Carleton; three sisters: Connie Irene (Jeff) Pello of Sylvania, Denise (Sam) Harkness of Newport, and Diana Hoffman of California; one brother: Richard (Geogianne) Hoffman of Monroe; a best friend who was like his brother: Ed Daniels; and two grandchildren: Rose Brown and Isabella Kraehnke. Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm, Thursday, September 13, 2012 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00am, Friday, September 14, 2012 also at Merkle's. Procession will follow to Michigan Memorial Park in Huron Township for entombment. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation, or send a floral arrangement by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.