Arden Hoffmann

Arden Wallace (Wonderful) Hoffmann passed away May 23, 2018 at Aspirus Hospice House. He was born July 4, 1934 in Rib Falls, Wisconsin to Agnes (Erdmann) and Wesley Hoffmann. He grew up on the family farm where he was born. On December 28, 1963 he married Marilyn (Molly) Friess. Arden attended normal school in Wisconsin Rapids. He started teaching at the age of 19 at Vilas School in the Town of Stettin, which was a one-room schoolhouse. He completed his Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and his Master's Degree in Educational Administration at the University of Wisconsin Madison. He taught at four Wausau schools before moving into administration where he served as principal at five Wausau elementary schools. Following his retirement from education in 1990, Arden opened The Crystal Tree gift shop located in downtown Wausau. Arden enjoyed and supported the performing arts in Central Wisconsin throughout his life. He directed many productions for PTO's Stunt Night, First United Methodist Church, Agape Theater, Happy Valley Pals 4-H Club and Central Wisconsin Children's Theater. Arden also appeared on stage performing in Wausau Community Theater productions. One of his greatest joys was staging musical productions with the children at Thomas Jefferson Elementary thanks to the help of the staff and parents. After retirement, Arden joined the River Valley Harmonizer's Barbershop Chorus and served as Show Chairman for many memorable productions. Arden also loved to travel. As a young man, he participated in the International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE) traveling to Chile for six months. As a school administrator, he initiated the French-American Youth Exchange for the Wausau School District. This program allowed fifth graders to both host French students and participate in a trip to France in the spring of each year. Arden was also a life-long member of the Wausau Breakfast Optimist Club, The Wausau Elk's Club and First United Methodist Church in Wausau where he sang tenor in the choir for 25 years. Along with his wife Molly, he served as the leader of the Happy Valley Pals 4-H club for 40 years. He served as President of the Marathon County's 4-H Leader Group and the Wisconsin 4-H Leadership Council. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, daughters Rebecca (John Kear) Hoffmann and Deb (Paul) Clarke, French daughter Veronique Lieubray, grandchildren Quinn Clarke, Jake Grant, Eli Grant and Josie Clarke, sister LaVern Machel, sister-in-laws Laurel Hoffmann, Barbara (Darold) Driscoll and Pamela Friess, and brother-in-laws Jack (Jeanette) Friess and Jim (Jennifer) Friess. He was proceeded in death by one daughter, Joy Ruth Hoffmann, his parents, brother Delmor Hoffmann and brother-in-law Marvin Machel. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 2nd at First United Methodist Church in Wausau. Visitation will be from 9:00 until the time of service at the church. Rev. Jayneann McIntosh will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to Aspirus Hospice House, First United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice. Brainard Funeral Home - Wausau Chapel is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com The family wishes to extend their thanks to the team of caregivers at Aspirus Hospice House who cared for Arden during his final week. We were blessed to have your care and support.