Raymond R Hoffman

Raymond R. Hoffman, 80, Bismarck, was called to Heaven on Dec. 11, 2015, at a hospital in Scottsdale, AZ. A service of gratitude for Ray’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 18, at Corpus Christi Church, 1919 N 2nd St., Bismarck, with Rev. Paul Becker officiating. Burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm Thursday, December 17, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a vigil will begin at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Ray was born Feb. 5, 1935, in New Salem to Gabriel and Leona (Ferderer) Hoffman. He graduated from New Salem High School, then earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education, one of his great passions, at Dickinson State College and Northern State University in South Dakota. Ray was married to his high school sweetheart, Gertha Bickel, for 57 years. Ray enjoyed teaching high school band and choir in Kulm, ND, for four years. The couple moved to Bismarck in 1961 when Ray began a new career as a self-employed financial counselor, earning designations as a chartered life underwriter and chartered financial consultant. He was recognized for his achievements and served on many boards, including as a national committeeman and state president of the ND Insurance and Financial Advisors. He enjoyed helping his clients plan their financial futures until the final days of his life, saying that he would continue working until he didn’t love his career anymore. Ray’s character and integrity shined in everything he did. It was no surprise that he received many awards and accolades for his professional work. His faith and positive spirit were reflected in his career and his personal life, and it always started with family. Ray always believed that your attitude determines your altitude. Ray was known for his welcoming smile and warm generous heart. Together with his wife, Ray felt strongly about giving back by sharing his time and resources as a big supporter of the community. He quietly, often anonymously, helped individuals he came across who were in need. Ray’s vision for helping others led him to organize the ND Special Olympics bowling tournaments, a legacy that continues today. Another great joy for Ray was volunteering as the choir director at Corpus Christi for 18 years. Ray faced some daily health challenges, but he approached each new day as a gift from God. He enjoyed many hobbies and had a great spirit of adventure. Ray was an outdoorsman, spending as many days fishing and hunting as possible. He also loved dancing, playing bridge, skiing, and traveling. He made lifetime friends wherever he journeyed in the world. Above all, Ray adored his family, especially his grandchildren. Grandpa provided endless hugs, silliness, fishing lessons, and family trips. He served as a wonderful example of a kind, genuine, positive gentleman. Ray will be deeply missed by his wife Gert, three children, and three grandchildren: son Mark Hoffman and his wife Sharon, and grandson John of Tucson, AZ; Patrick Hoffman and his wife Laura of Bismarck; and daughter Kimberly Hoffman Jondahl and grandchildren Michael and Megan of Bismarck. Ray is also survived by his sister, Joann (Ed) Weber, and sister-in-law Marion (Jack) Hoffman. Preceding Ray in death were his parents; two brothers, Jack and Pete (Mary); and two sisters, Eugenia (George) Doll and Josephine (John) Mosbrucker. In the spirit of Ray, the family invites you to do an unexpected act of kindness for someone in need today. Go to eastgatefuneral.com to sign the online guest book. Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.