Gene Raymond Hoffmann

Gene Raymond Hoffmann, age 80, of rural Nicollet, died Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at Mayo Clinic Health System – Mankato.

Funeral Service 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 25, 2023, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Courtland. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Sunday at Immanuel Lutheran Church and one hour before service on Monday at the church. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Northview – North Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Gene Raymond Hoffmann was born in Jacksonville, FL to Victor and Phyllis (Miller) Hoffmann on April 27, 1943, while Victor was stationed there as a member of the U.S. Navy.  Gene grew up on a dairy farm in Watford City, ND.  He was the oldest of 5 children, Gene, Gary, David, Vicki, and Mark.  He graduated from Watford City High School in 1961. 

He then enrolled at the University of Minnesota with the intent to study aeronautical engineering. During his freshman year of college he met Margo Pashina on a blind date.  The two hit it off and were married a year later on June 13, 1963.  In 1968-69 he served in Vietnam.

Gene was a lifelong teacher. His first teaching job was in Fulda, followed by Nicollet, Delano, and finally LeSueur.  He started as a physics and math teacher, and then transitioned to the special ed department where he found this true calling.

In the 1970’s Gene and Margo started Nicollet South Bike Shop out of their garage and grew it into a successful business that they ran in addition to teaching.  In 2000 he and Margo retired from teaching and ran the business until they retired fully in 2009.  Gene was always good with his hands and fixing equipment, so working on bikes was a natural fit.  He and Margo hired many high school employees and taught them valuable life lessons that far outlasted their bicycle knowledge.

When he and Margo retired in 2009 they got to dive into their hobbies, which included waterskiing on local lakes, riding bicycles on trails, dancing, spending time with their cats, and traveling to many different countries.  Gene also had a love of flying and earned his pilot’s license.  In their younger years, many times Gene and Margo would take their bikes and fly somewhere to ride them.

Gene is survived by his wife, Margo; and siblings, Gary, Vicki, and Mark.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, David.

www.mankatomortuary.com

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by

Mankato Mortuary.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.