Gary Hoffbeck

Gary George Hoffbeck, 71, passed away surrounded by his family at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, on Monday, June 9, 2025.

Gary was born on June 2, 1954, in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, to Alvin and Ardith (Likness) Hoffbeck.

The oldest of five children, Gary grew up near Tracy, Minnesota, on a dairy farm. Days on the farm were full, but Gary enjoyed staying busy. After chores and school, you could find him fishing, biking, building extravagant forts in the grove, and getting into mischief with his siblings.

Gary accepted the Lord into his heart during a Billy Graham Crusade in Minneapolis at the age of 19. This became a pivotal moment in his faith journey.

He attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, where he met his future wife, Judy Dalen. They were married on June 2, 1979, and raised seven children on Bass Lake near Underwood, Minnesota. God knit the Hoffbeck family together and their children are their handpicked Treasures.

The majority of Gary's career was spent teaching at the Fergus Falls Middle School, now Kennedy Secondary School. Mr. Hoffbeck's passion for teaching history to his students was legendary, and we know he impacted many.

After 40+ years of teaching at 4 different schools, creating thousands of lesson plans, and completing countless hours of grading, Mr. Hoffbeck retired in June 2022 after bringing American history to life to more than 7,000 middle school students. He also taught Summer School, Saturday School, and Adult Basic Education.

Gary enjoyed studying the Bible, being involved in church and ministry, using his riding lawnmower, tending to his gardens, and most importantly spending time with his wife and family-playing games, riding his bike in Glendalough with Judy, laughing, and enjoying life. One of his greatest joys was getting to be a Grandpa. He treasured every visit, and looked forward to planning outings, going out for ice cream, participating in activities, and generally spoiling his grandkids.

Gary loved deeply and unconditionally, and his dedication to his family and teaching were unparalleled. God's glory could be seen in his work and many talents.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Ardith Hoffbeck, and his parents-in-law Eugene and Helen Dalen.

Gary is survived by his wife, Judy, and his seven children, Sarah (Chris) Derosier, Fergus Falls, MN, Jordan Hoffbeck, Sanborn, ND, Alexander (Jasiel) Hoffbeck, Redding, CA, Callie Ann (Alex) Warne, Big Lake, MN, Emma Lee (Grant) Reese, Elbow Lake, MN, Simon Hoffbeck, Fergus Falls, MN, and Isabel Hoffbeck, Fergus Falls, MN; six grandchildren, Konnor Mudge, Jaidan and Kaelyn Hoffbeck, Oliver and Henry Reese, and Ruslan Hoffbeck; brothers and sister; and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and other family members.

"Love the people God gave you because He will need them back someday."

Please refer to the link listed below for the livestream on facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/share/19MJSrc5YZ/

Memorial Service: 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Kennedy Secondary School Auditorium in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service.

Assistance provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com