Joann J. Hoffman died surrounded by family and friends at her home on September 3, 2019. Her death was peaceful and dignified as she so deeply desired. She lived with family, friends, and faith at the center of her life. She found the joy in life, shared her wonderful smile unstintingly, and was loved and admired by so many. She loved living in Spearfish and the Black Hills and always strived to make the world a better place through her love for and kindness toward others.

Joann Hoffman was born in Murdo, SD on September 12, 1928 to Vincent Janda and May (Paine) Janda. She also lived in Mitchell and Pierre, SD before they settled in Rapid City, SD. Her father held state and local school district education positions including for the Rapid City School District. Her mother was a home maker and taught kindergarten in her later life in Rapid City.

After graduating from Rapid City High School in 1946 and attending Hamlin University, she returned to Rapid City and married Donald Hoffman on August 22, 1948. After a brief stay in Watertown, she and Don settled in Spearfish, SD and lived there for the rest of their lives. They raised four children, Steven, Michael, Terry, and Holly and built two homes in Spearfish. The first was on Tenth Street with a treasured view of Crow Peak. The second, in the Lower Valley, enjoyed views of Lookout, Crow Peak, and Spearfish Mountain. The property included 3 acres dedicated to truck farming, lilac bushes, and flower gardens.

Joann was dedicated to service to others throughout her life. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and held many positions in support of the church's mission, including as the adult leader of the MYF for over 25 years. This philosophy played a major part in returning to school after her children had grown to pursue an LPN degree. She succeeded and worked for several local doctors before joining the staff at Lookout Memorial Hospital until she retired. She was also active state wide in Methodist Women, participated in Prayer Circle and helped take Communion to church members who were unable to participate on Sunday mornings.  She supported the Methodist camp/retreat at Storm Mountain and was a volunteer with the Spearfish Food Pantry. She was a member of PEO and worked as a Hospice volunteer for many years. She actively supported many charities including the Cornerstone Mission in Rapid City, public interest groups such as the Southern Poverty Law Center, and worldwide charities including Heifer International. Joann and Don made two mission trips to the Harris Memorial College for girls in the Philippines. While there, they added 4 "adapted" daughters to their family: Cerna (and Mark) Rand, Anelyn (and Brian) Jablo, Alma Mercy Gioketo, and Nerissa Esconde.

Joann's parents purchased a log cabin (Hill Home) in Silver City in the mid-1940s. The cabin has been a center for family weekends, weddings, receptions, and vacations ever since. She and Don also spent many summer weeks camping in the Bighorns, including a family horse back pack trip that was a lifetime highlight. Her family spent 4 summers living in Yellowstone National Park that have been a touchstone event for all. She loved wild flowers no matter where they grew.

Joann was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Marcia, and her beloved husband Donald Hoffman. She is survived by her children and their families: Steven (and Claudia) Hoffman, Michael (and Marilyn) Hoffman, Terry (and Lynne) Hoffman, and Holly (and Dave) Heintz. She had 8 grandchildren: Damian (and Jen) Hoffman, Nathaniel (and Jess) Hoffman, Alaina (and Doug) Carr, Mckenzie (and Michael) Monroe, Katie Hoffman, Abi (and Matt) Norman, Scott Hoffman, and Aaron Sherck. She also had 5 great-grandchildren: Cassidy and Ewan (Damian and Jen) and Eavan, Isabel, and Aria (Nathaniel and Jess). She was thankful and loved that all visited her in the last months of her life.

Services will take place at the Spearfish First Methodist Church on Monday, October 21 ^st at 10:00AM. Her ashes, along with her husband's, will be spread at the places they wished. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in her name to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com