Reuben Hoffman, 93, of Spearfish, SD, went to be with the Lord on April 30, 2011.

Visitation will be from 4-6 PM, Thursday, May 5, 2011, at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM, Friday, May 6, 2011 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church with burial to follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.

Reuben was born November 10, 1917, in Vananda, MT to David and Mary (Nitchke) Hoffman. Reuben grew up in Ashley, ND, graduating from high school in 1936. He graduated from the Bottineau School of Forestry in 1941 with an Associate of Forestry degree. He joined the Air Force and served from 1941 until 1945 in the European Theater during World War II. He was awarded a Bronze Star. He went on to the Utah State University where he graudated in 1948 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Reuben was employed in 1947 as a District Conservationist for the United States Department of Agriculture, retiring in 1980.

Reuben married Ruth Francis Beals July 31, 1949, at Lemmon, SD. They moved to Spearfish in 1965. He was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church and was Mason of the Spearfish Chapter for over 50 years, as well as the American Legion.

He will be remembered for his love of life, his love of family, his jokes and his sayings. "Keep a smile on your face, love in your heart and be good and kind to people."

Reuben is survived by his daughter, Janice Perman, Camas, WA, 4 grandchildren, Gary (Becky) Perman , Camas; Lisa Mathis, Spearfish; Todd Perman, Camas; and Julie Perman, Saipan, USA; 4 great-grandchildren, Jason Perman, WA; Tyler Perman, WA; Brad Mathis, Deadwood, SD; and Jacob Perman, WA; great-great-grandson; Charles Trentz, Deadwood; his brother, Ronald Hoffman, CA; and his dog, Shadow.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, his parents, 2 brothers and 4 sisters.