Craig C. Hoffman, 86, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Born on Oct. 13, 1939 in Shawano, Wisconsin, Craig was the son of the late Lawrence and Erma (Siebert) Hoffman and was raised in Gresham, Wisconsin.
Craig graduated from Concordia Lutheran High School in Seward, Nebraska, and continued his education at Concordia Teachers College in Seward. He later earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Northern Illinois University.
It was during his early school years as a teacher that Craig met the love of his life, Janice Rieke, and they were united in marriage on August 13, 1966, beginning a committed relationship that spanned nearly six decades.
Craig was a longtime Physical Education teacher at Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, where he made a lasting impact on generations of students and athletes. He coached both Track and Cross Country, and in 1983, he coached the CLHS girl's cross country team to the school's first state championship. His dedication to Concordia and its students was recognized with his induction into the Concordia Lutheran High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012.
Outside of teaching and coaching, Craig enjoyed an active life outdoors. He found great pleasure in many things including reading about the Civil War, gardening, deer hunting, canoeing, traveling, watching Packer games and playing pinochle. He was also a faithful and active member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.
Craig will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 59 years, Jan Hoffman; his sons, Lance (Linda) Hoffman, Eric (Michelle) Hoffman, and Trent (Lisa) Hoffman; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his sisters, Karen Craig and Deborah (John) Pieper; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Penny Clafflin.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 7710 E. State Blvd, with calling one hour prior. Calling will also take place on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow in St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Concordia Lutheran High School, Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne, or St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.
FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.