Donna Hoffman

Private Family Graveside Services for Donna and Willis Hoffman of Crawford, Nebraska

will be held at the Crawford City Cemetery.

Willis M. Hoffman was born at Marsland, Nebraska on October 16, 1926 to Bill and Marie Hoffman. He was raised with his brother Doug (Doc) and sister Bonita on the ranch west of Marsland. He attended Marsland High School until it closed then graduated from Crawford High School in 1944. In 1945, he and his friend Jack Winget went to California to enlist in the Navy and fight in WWII. While in California, he came down with rheumatic fever and spent several weeks in a hospital. Upon recovery, the Navy declined to accept him for enlistment, so he joined the Merchant Marines. He served on a T2 oil tanker and went around the world. When the war ended, he was discharged.

Willis came home where he met Donna Mae Dahlheimer, daughter of Frank and Bessie Dahlheimer who was, like himself, born and raised on the farm. Donna Mae grew up north  of Crawford with her sister Marian and brother Dale. She graduated from Crawford High School in 1947.  They married in 1947 and spent 73 years together making a life farming and ranching. Donna Mae was an avid seamstress and created unique clothing loved by family and friends as well as many others.

Willis passed on November 26, 2020 (Thanksgiving day) and Donna Mae passed on May 29, 2021. They spent their last few years together at Ponderosa Villa where they received good, compassionate care from the friends, neighbors, and relatives who work there.

Willis and Donna Mae were preceded in death by their parents, brothers, sisters, and their oldest son Roger. They are survived by son, David, who stayed on the farm and worked side by side with them his whole life; Robin, David’s wife; by four granddaughters, Amber, Tina, Cari and Cheri; and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. They had a long, full life.  Rest In Peace Mom and Dad!!!

Memorial donations to Crawford Rescue Unit.

A memorial has been established for Crawford Rescue Unit and donations may be sent in care of

Chamberlain Chapel, PO BOX 970, CHADRON, NE 69337.