Robert Gordon Hoffman, 85, of Redfield, SD died Wednesday, June 16, 2010, at home, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Redfield. Reverend Stephen Perry will officiate.

After a time for lunch and fellowship the burial will be in the Rockham Cemetery. Visitation at Thelen Funeral Home will be Friday from 1-8:00 p.m. with a Masonic rites service and prayer service at 7:00 p.m.

www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Robert was born April 28, 1925 in Faulk County, SD to William and Elsie (Buss) Hoffman. He attended grade school at the Sievers Country School and graduated from Rockham High School. He then began his lifelong career in farming and ranching.

On September 29, 1946, Robert and Verna Jackson were united in marriage. Their wedding was the first formal marriage ceremony at the Rockham Methodist Church. They made their home five miles northwest of Rockham where they raised cattle, sheep and three daughters.

He was involved in many community, church and state activities which included 4-H Club, Hillsdale Township Board, United Methodist Church Foundation, Faulk County Commissioner and State Chairman of the ASCS. Robert served as a State Senator for six years and in 1992 he received the South Dakota Eminent Farmer Award.

Grateful for having shared Robert's life are his wife Verna, three daughters Diane (John) Cogley, Sioux Falls, SD Jeanette (Paul) Hoffman DeHaan, Custer, SD and Bobbi Hoffman, Island Lake, IL; five grandchildren and three (soon to be four) great-grandchildren. Two brothers: Willard, Rockham, SD and Duane, Watertown, SD.

Robert will be greatly missed by his family, friends and numerous acquaintances throughout his life.