Joseph Warren Hoffmann

Joseph Warren Hoffmann was born December 27, 1959 in Independence, Missouri, to Joseph Colegrove and Patricia Bozarth. On December 27, 1959 the greatest man I’ve ever known was born, and on February 28, 2012 he left us. For 27 years, I have had the privilege of being raised by the most decent, loyal, honest, compassionate, funny, selfless, loving father a girl could ask for. I simply didn’t get to tell him that enough. My parents raised my brother and I with true abounding, steadfast love. This is who Joe Hoffmann was and what he stood for – love. He raised me to know and trust the Lord, therefore I am trusting Him now. “The Lord is good, a Strength and Stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge and trust in Him.” (Naham 1:7) My dad was truly loved – by everyone; from childhood friends, family members, to co-workers. He was adored. He was respected. However to those closest to him, he was cherished. After a strong marriage that lasted 24 years, my parents lost their way for a short time from one another, only to find their back on July 2, 2011. To my father, “our family unit” meant everything to him. This was where he found safety – this is where he felt home. Throughout the years, my definition of home was always wherever my parents were – they, too, were my safety. My father was the rock of our family; dependable, caring, supportive, unwavering in his generosity. The one tragic flaw possessed by this incomparable man, he never knew the abundant blessings that had been heaped upon him by our Creator. Today we praise the Lord for blessing us with this loving brother and son, loyal husband, and devoted father. Dad, you were “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) and fiercely loved. This is my prayer for you . . . “Peace I leave with you; My own peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives as I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” I will carry your heart – I’ll carry it in my heart. “And God’s peace which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount over (our) hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7) Joe was survived by his wife, Karen Hoffmann; son, Ryan Phillips and daughter, Taylor Hoffmann; mother, Patricia Bozarth, and husband, Raymond; father, Joseph Colegrove; stepfather and wife, Ed and Linda Hoffmann; sister, Julie Hundelt; brothers, David Colegrove and Scott Hoffmann. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Jake Robel Scholarship Fund, care of Independence School Foundation, 201 N. Forest Avenue, Independence, MO 64050. Services will be held Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 1 p.m., at Ivanhoe UCC, 6512 Woodson Road, Raytown, MO 64133.