Lawrence Ernest Hoffmann, 77

Lawrence Ernest Hoffmann, 77, passed away at his home Tuesday, May 18, 2010, after a valiant effort to overcome cancer. Larry was born just north of Beulah in Rural Mercer County, North Dakota on Nov. 24, 1932, to parents, Magdelena Rosena Tesky and Freidrich Gottleib Hoffmann. He grew up on a farm in North Dakota, worked as a corn picker in his youth, then as a farm hand for his future in-laws in Grassy Butte, N.D. He attended auto body school in Wapaton, N.D. On July 7, 1957, he married Joyce Eileen Tarnavsky. They lived in Minnesota, where Larry worked at a boat factory. In 1963, he moved with his family to Spokane, where he worked a variety of jobs. In 1971, he moved his family to Columbia Falls where he was employed as a millwright at Plum Creek Lumber, and worked there until his retirement in 1992. Larry was a loving husband and devoted father and grandfather. He was soft-spoken, incredibly generous, friendly, and loved telling jokes. He loved constructing, modifying and repairing things, and enjoyed working on the family farm. He was happiest driving a tractor and gardening. His passions were tinkering, traveling, photography, music and dancing, especially the polka. Always generous with his time and talents, he served several terms as president for the Northwest Montana Accordion Association. He was an active member of the Moose Lodge and the Kalispell Eagles (an Eagles member since 1965). He also volunteered at Glacier National Park s Native Plant Restoration Project and the Dream Ski program on Big Mountain. Larry was preceded in death by his wife and his parents. He is survived by his sister, Ella Kruckenberg, of Hazen, N.D.; three daughters, Lori Hoffmann and Wade Dudley of Conrad, LeAnn and Dan Diessner of Seattle, and Kristi and Shayne Hoffmann-Hatfield of Columbia Falls; six grandchildren, Skye, Joyce and Kate Hatfield, Jessica and JT Otwell, and Becky Opalka; and four great-grandchildren. Also, AFS children, Barb Pulliam from Germany (and daughter Julia) now residing in Idaho, Febby Intan from Indonesia, and David Thonan from Belgium. Larry s family is hosting a life celebration at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 23, at his home at 1660 Berne Road in Columbia Falls. The celebration will include a service by the Rev. Ray Davis of Kalispell, followed by a potluck, and dancing, with music by Larry s beloved friends of the Northwest Montana Accordion Association. Columbia Mortuary is assisting the family. The family suggests memorial gifts be given to the Joyce Hoffmann Memorial Scholarship fund at School District 6; or to the First Best Place Task Force, in Columbia Falls.