Rufus Hoffman

Rufus Hoffman, 86, of Marshalltown, Iowa, passed away Sunday, October 7, 2012, surrounded by his loving family at the Iowa River Hospice Home.Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. A private family viewing will be held prior to the service. Memorials may be directed to the family. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com . The Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Rufus and his family. Ph: 641-844-1234.Rufus (R.P.) was born April 17, 1926, to Ralph and Rhea (Gardner) Hoffman. Rufus was born as Gordon Hoffman but at two years old his parents changed his name to Rufus in honor of General Rufus Putnam who was a Revolutionary War General. Rufus attended Timber Creek #1 as well as Moniger country school house and later graduated from Albion High School in 1944. He joined the Air Force during World War II from August 1944 until being honorably discharged on December 5, 1945. On September 28, 1952 he married Margaret Ashley. She passed away in June of 1965. He later married Helen Hodson on November 10, 1976. Rufus was employed for the railroad for 30 years before retiring in 1986 and he also enjoyed farming. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, the Legion of Guardsman, Railroad Retirees Association as well as the Albion Presbyterian Church. Rufus had a great passion for cribbage and even won some tournaments but he was most proud of the City Championship that he had won. He also enjoyed watering his cows and mowing and socializing with his friends but above all else loved spending time with his family.Rufus is survived by his children: Jeff (Pam) Hoffman and Ann (Bruce) Ersland, sisters: Mary (Don) Vry and Alice Suzie Hawkins, grandchildren: Michelle, Shane and Dana and five great grandchildren.Rufus is preceded in death by both of his parents, his wives, and very special great grandchild, Hunter.