Donald Lee Hoffman

Donald Lee Hoffman went home to heaven on September 14, 2025. He was 90 years old. He left this earth holding hands with his daughter and listening to the song “I want to Stroll over Heaven with You”.

Don was born on February 6, 1935, in Parkston, SD to Fred and Lydia (Bechtold) Hoffman. He was the younger brother to Lula. They adored each other and shared a lifelong love and connection. Don, or Donnie as he was known to his schoolmates, went to school in Parkston through 8th grade. After that he went to work for his father driving truck and working at their family block business. During his lifetime, Don worked mainly in the construction field, where he spent the majority of his work life at 4th Street Rock Crusher in San Bernardino, CA, running the sand and gravel pit.

In 1954, Don met the love of his life roller skating. On December 14, 1954, Don and Phyllis (Puetz) were married in Parkston, SD. After they were married, they lived in Parkston before Don was called up to join the Army. In 1958 Don did his basic training at Fort Carson in Colorado. He was stationed at Ellsworth from 1958-1959 and worked at the Ellsworth AFB Nike Battery Sites. This is when they fell in love with the Black Hills of South Dakota and knew one day they would return. This is also where their first son was born. Just a few months after his birth, the Army shipped Don overseas to Friedburg, Germany and thus began a time of adventure for Don and Phyllis. They made their home in Bad Nauheim, where they were neighbors to Elvis Presley. Don served at the same base with Elvis and always said he was a good soldier and a nice person. Don and Phyllis with baby Kevin in tow, did quite a bit of touring around Europe and loved their years spent in Germany. Don was a PFC 3rd Division and Radar Man. After serving in the military, they came back home to Parkston in 1961 for a few years. Their daughter was born in Parkston in 1964 but just 11 months later they decided to move to California. They made Rialto, CA their home for over 22 years. They worked and raised their family there. Eventually they moved back to Rapid City and the Black Hills that they so loved. They also spent several years being snowbirds in Quartzite, AZ and very much enjoyed that chapter of their lives.

Don loved anything vehicles and anything automotive. He owned a Model A and a Model T and numerous other vehicles. He used to carry a list in his pocket of every car he had owned. That list had over 150 cars on it. He loved to trade and barter, so he was always coming home with something different. At a time when he owned 4 different Model A and T, he was known for shining them all up on Sunday and lining the sidewalk by their house so people could stop, look and talk. Oh, how he loved a good visit!! He also loved to collect license plates and had quite the collection at one time.

Don & Phyllis were blessed with two children, Kevin & Kristel and their spouses Bonnie and Rob. While they had no grandchildren, they had lots of nieces and nephews, and they treasured all of them. A couple of very special nieces, Sarah & Marissa, lived with them for a period of time and they were “bonus” children to them and oh, how they loved them!!

Recently, Don lived at a VA medical Foster Home with his loving caregiver Maggie Olson. There is no doubt that she was sent by God to take care of him for the last 18 months of his life. Maggie became part of the family during that time, and we will forever be grateful for her care and love for Don.

Don is survived by his daughter, Kristel Hammerquist and son-in-law Rob Hammerquist, Rapid City, SD; daughter-in-law Bonnie Hoffman, Black Hawk, SD; nephew (son of his sister) Rod (Sue) Jerke, Sioux Falls, SD; in-laws, Rose, Carol, Elizabeth, Timothea, Joseph, Joyce, Rebecca, Daniel, Jane, Patrick, Cindy and Julie and their spouses (including his surfing buddy, Bill); and many loved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis, his son Kevin, his parents, his sister Lula, and many aunts, uncles, and in-laws that he loved.

A graveside service will be held at a later date in Parkston, SD.

Don was a born again Christian and he loved his Lord and Savior with all his heart. He is now in Heaven with Jesus, completely healed and running around with Phyllis and Kevin and all the other family & friends and having the best celebration. John 14: 1-6