Verlyn L. Hoff

VERLYN LEE HOFF was born on July 24, 1955 to Cornelius and Reva (Leenderts) Hoff in Luverne, Minnesota. He was raised on an acreage near Steen, Minnesota, and was baptized at Steen Reformed Church, where he also attended Sunday school and catechism. As a child, he didn’t have far to walk to school, attending a country school across the road from his home until sixth grade, after which he continued his education in Luverne, graduating in 1973. Following graduation, Verlyn worked on the Orlin Kellenberger farm and Midwest Ambulances in Luverne. Mutual friends introduced Verlyn to Tamie Garrels, because of a shared love of corvettes, and the couple’s fondness for each other blossomed. A traditional wedding was planned for November 22, 1975. When a snowstorm threatened the nuptials, Rev. Lindsey was delivered from the First Presbyterian Church in Balaton, Minnesota, to Tamie’s parents’ home and the couple was married in the living room. Verlyn went to work at the Luverne Farm Store Gas Company for a time. When the company decided to divide into two separate businesses, Verlyn became the manager of the Ferrelgas Company. Living at their present acreage north of Luverne, Verlyn fulfilled his aspiration of farming full-time, working the fields and raising hogs, a passion that grew to a family affair. On Wednesday, October 25, 2017 Verlyn died unexpectedly during the harvesting ritual, while unloading corn into the dryer bin, at the age of 62 years, three months and three days.

Verlyn was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Luverne, where he was an Elder and served on the property and finance committees. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Verlyn enjoyed a carefree and bountiful life, filled with countless treasures. He was an active shareholder and board member of the Take 16 Brewery in Luverne, and took great pride in its collaborative success. Whether motorcycling, snowmobiling, golfing, pontooning, or recharging at the lot on Lake Benton, Verlyn appreciated the beauty of the Minnesota seasons. He did fancy a break now and then from the winds of winter, towing the toy hauler to Apache Junction, Arizona, for some time on the Harley Davidson. In the summer, Verlyn and Tamie spent a lot of time on the motorcycle and cruising in the Corvette. He was a wonderful, hands-on grandpa, rarely able to tell his three grandson’s “no”, and always bringing joy and fun to their days. Verlyn will be remembered as a hard-working man, rooted in faith and family, who put others before himself and gave from his heart. His contagious smile, fun-loving character, and loving spirit will be missed by many.

Verlyn is lovingly remembered by his wife, Tamie; two children, Shelly (Mark) Ahlschlager of Hardwick, Minnesota, and Chad (Darcy) Hoff of Luverne; three grandchildren, Dylan, Marshal and Logan Hoff; mother, Reva Hoff of Luverne; and two siblings, Sharon (Tim) Knoll of Brandon, South Dakota, and Roger (Lisa) Hoff of Steen, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his father, Cornelius Hoff; and sister, Joyce Hoff.