Leonard John Hoffman

Palmer resident Leonard John Hoffman, 55, died Sept. 18, 2012, at St. Elias Specialty Hospital.

Leo, as he was known to his friends and family, was born April 29, 1957, in Monterey, Calif., to Virginia Somano. After Virginia married Donald Hoffman Sr. in 1959, the combined family moved to Alaska in 1968. Leo lived in California with family at various times during his teen years.

Leo worked as a cook in California, as a security guard in Anchorage and on construction projects at various locations throughout Alaska and California.

On April 9, 1996, the “Miracle Man” married his “Rose,” the love of his life, Dana Murphy. This began a lifetime of ministry within the Department of Corrections, serving in Seward, Florence and Eloy, Ariz., and finally Palmer for the last three years.

One of Leo’s most extraordinary qualities was his deep, gravely voice. He used it well to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and teach Bible studies. He was a man of integrity, committed to the calling God had placed on his life. He was a great man of God who touched thousands of lives.

Preceding him in death was his mother, Virginia Hoffman-Wells; brother, Ronald Hoffman; step-brother, John Anderson; sister, Cathleen Hoffman-Wagner; step-sister, Rene Stewart; and aunts, Lucille Birdsong and Lorraine Chambers.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 16 years, Dana Murphy-Hoffman; sons, Cody and Anthony; brothers and sisters, Linda, Mike, Patricia, Donald Jr., Robert, Timothy, Greg and Mike Anderson; father and step-mother, Donald and Dayle Hoffman; numerous nieces, nephews and step-children; and nine grandchildren.

A memorial service is at 2 p.m., Sept. 29 with a viewing at 1 p.m. at Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel, 440 East Klatt Road, Anchorage. A potluck will follow, so bring your favorite dish.