George Paul Hoffman, age 97, passed away August 22, 2016 at Billings Clinic following a short illness.
George was born May 11, 1919 in Glendive, the eldest son of Paul, Jr. and Thea Hoffman. Following George’s birth they moved to Forsyth, and then Miles City, to work for Gregory Greenhouses. The Hoffman’s are well remembered for their lifelong devotion to the Greenhouse business.
After the death of his father, Thea moved the family to Sandpoint, Idaho, where George attended grade school and high school. On June 18, 1939 he started to work for the Northern Pacific Railroad at Sandpoint, as a section hand. He worked in the Tacoma/Seattle area until 1971 at which time he was promoted to track engineer and transferred to Billings.
After 43½ years, and several mergers by the railroad, George retired in 1981 from the Burlington Northern RR.
In 1937 George and Vera Pomerinke were married. To this marriage five children were born – Robert (Myrtle), Pauline (Frank) Seekins, Evelyn Griffin, Larry (Genie) and Danny (Linda). Vera is now deceased, the victim of a vehicle accident.
After George’s retirement from the railroad he had more time to spend with his lifelong hobby of woodworking, spending as much time in his shop as he had formerly spent in his railroad career. Family members and friends have many beautiful pieces of his artwork which are deeply cherished.
On a tour of track inspection in Gillette, Wyo. George met Evalyce (Peg) Shatzer, and they were married on November 12, 1977 in Gillette, making their home in Billings. Peg worked for the CB&Q and Burlington Northern for 32 ½ years. Between the two of them they worked over seventy five years for the railroad, so they had a lot in common, and many good years together. They spent several years square dancing where they met many wonderful, lifelong friends, as well as the great friendships with the wood turners and their wives. When you came to the Hoffman’s you could always expect some good coffee and cookies from Peg, and a joke or story from “Old George,” (as he was fondly referred to), although the “good” joke is something that might be debatable!
He had many good friends, who always enjoyed his jokes and sense of humor, and will be missed so much by them.
George is survived by his wife, Peg; his children and their families; as well as his step grandchildren, Cyndi Shatzer, Curt (Shanda) Shatzer, Paula Shatzer and their families.
Cremation has taken place and services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at Cremation & Funeral Gallery. Memorials may be made in George’s name to the charity of your choice.
Condolences for the family can be made through www.cfgbillings.com through “Our Families.”
