Walter Hoffman Jr., 84 years old of Hoagland, Indiana, passed away at 12:15 a.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2009 in the Village of Heritage located in Monroeville, Indiana. Walter was born on Monday, December 22, 1924 in Crawford County, Wisconsin, the son of the late Walter N. Hoffman and the late Pauline M. (Rogers) Hoffman. Walter was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Army. He attained the rank of Private First Class and was deployed with the 325th Glider Infantry Regiment where he saw combat during the Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central European Campaigns. During his deployment, he received the following awards and commendations: EAME Theater Ribbon with 3 Bronze Stars; Good Conduct Medal; Bronze Arrowhead; Belgium Fourragere; Netherlands Orange Lanyard; World War II Victory Medal; Combat Infantryman Badge; and Glider Badge. Walter retired in January 1984 from Rhea Magnet Wire with 34 years of service; he was also formerly employed with Ft. Wayne Union Stockyards; and the McMillen Feed Mill in Decatur, Indiana. Surviving are his brother, Don (Joan) Hoffman of Hoagland, Indiana; sister, Betty Guenin of Hoagland, Indiana; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding Walter in death were one brother, Frederick J. Hoffman; and a niece, Beth Ann Hoffman. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 4, 2009 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Indiana with Pastor Douglas Christian officiating. Interment will follow in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in New Haven, Indiana. Friends will be received from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, January 3, 2009 in the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Indiana and from 12:00 NOON to service time Sunday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to Antioch Lutheran Church; Village of Heritage; or the donor's choice.
