Michael D. Hoffman

Mike Hoffman Devoted Husband, Beloved Father, Proud Grandfather is at peace with Our Lord. He died September 20, 2025, at Golden Years Nursing Home in Fort Wayne.

Mike was born on April 15, 1950 in Decatur, IN the son of Harold C. Hoffman and Myrtle M. (Schrock) Hoffman. Following his mother’s death in 1965 Harold married Mary A. (Lee) Sheets in 1967 where Mike gained four more siblings.

Mike graduated from Bellmont High School in 1968. After deciding that factory life was not for him, Mike enlisted in the Air National Guard in 1968, becoming a jet engine mechanic for the 122nd Fighter Wing. Mike proudly retired from his service in May 2005 with a rank of Chief Master Sergeant E9 over the122nd Maintenance Squadron. A few of Mike’s tours of duty included Operation Iraqi Freedom, Saudia Arabia, Qatar, and Desert Storm.

The only good thing that Mike found at GE was the love of his life, Diana Thatcher. Mike proposed to Diana on her birthday and claimed her as his bride on December 6, 1969. They were blessed with two wonderful children, Sarah and Nick. Mike took tremendous pride in his children, celebrating their accomplishments as they grew into adulthood. Then came the grandkids ~ he had great joy watching them grow, from baby steps, through high school, college and beyond. Then there came the greats ~ more babies! Mike’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joys of his life and he treasured every moment with them. He was especially proud that Isabelle and Isaac followed his example of serving our country through military service.

In addition to being a dedicated family man, Mike was a skilled craftsman who could fix or build anything, a skill that he passed along to his children and grandchildren.

Mike had an ornery sense of humor, he was always ready to provide a subtle joke or comment but willing to give the shirt off his back to anyone. While raising his family, Mike and Diana spent many weekends camping, including nieces and nephews from time to time. And yes, the snowmobile! In his retirement Mike enjoyed riding his motorcycle, and monthly lunches/ breakfasts with high school classmates among other pursuits. Mike and Diana also traveled extensively, hopping a ride on a military jet transport traveling to all parts of the world.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Mike served as Preble Fire Department Chief for ten years, and a member for fifty years. Also, as his father was, a member of the American Legion Post 43.

Mike was dedicated and faithful life-long member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Preble where he where he served the Lord faithfully in various offices.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Diana of 55 years, two children, Sarah (Jamie) Tharp and Nick (Rebecca) Hoffman, six grandchildren: Makayla (Trevor) Knapp, Sydney Tharp (Drake Gillespie), August (Ben) Cartwright, Isabelle Friedt, Isaac Friedt, and Emelia Hoffman; four great-grandchildren, Charlotte Knapp, Bennett Knapp, Colt Gillespie, and River Gillespie; sisters Vicki Milholland and Julie O’Beirne; brother-in-law, Richard Penrod; sister-in-law, Rhonda (Jeff) Smelser, and brother-in-law Terry (Lynn Newnam) Thatcher.

Mike was preceded in death by all his parents; siblings, Ron and Shirley Hoffman, RuthAnn Penrod, Jesse Sheets, and Thomas Sheets; brother-in-law, Al Milholland; parents-in-law, Janice and Graydon Thatcher; and brother-in-law Bruce Thatcher.

How do you put a well lived life on a single page? We are lucky and proud to call Mike; the most amazing husband, father, grandfather, and brother. You will be missed.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble with Pastor Andrew Yeager officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by United States Air Force along with American Legion Post #43 Decatur. Burial will follow at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Preble.

Family and friends will be received from 3-5 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur and from 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. at the church on Friday.

Preferred memorials can be given to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble.

Arrangements by Zwick and Jahn Funeral Homes of Decatur, Indiana