Private family graveside services for Donna and Willis Hoffman of Crawford, NE, will be held at the Crawford City Cemetery.
A memorial has been established for the Crawford Rescue Unit. Donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadon, NE 69337.
Online condolences may be made at chamberlainchapel.com.
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 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 and married Willis later that year. They went on to spend 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 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!!!