William “Willy” Hoffman, a cherished Valentine, Nebraska resident, tragically died on December 28, 2025, a few days before he would have been 78. The peaceful rhythms of Valentine, a hamlet that seems to be an extension of the huge Nebraska Sandhills around it, have been Willy’s lifelong home.
He was born on December 30, 1947, to Walter and Eva (Marshall) Hoffman. He worked here, grew up here, and spent his days surrounded by the people and locations that make small-town life permanent. His death at home marked the peaceful conclusion of 77 years of steady, uncomplicated living.
He found satisfaction in straightforward pursuits. Puzzles were a favorite pastime, the kind that require patience and a keen eye—qualities that served him well in his work. For years, Willy served as a custodian at Valentine High School, keeping spaces clean and orderly for generations of students. Later, he worked as a housekeeper at Cherry County Hospital, contributing quietly to the care of others in a community where everyone knows the importance of showing up reliably.
Although Willy never got married, family played a significant role in his life. Sisters Janis Davis of Dallas, Texas; Joan (Jerry) Knuth of Valentine; sister-in-law Jeanie Hoffman; and numerous nieces and nephews who will remember their uncle’s unwavering presence are among those he leaves behind.
He was predeceased by a sizable extended family that included his parents, sisters Garnet Smith, Mary Lou Curtis, Alice Weihe, and Martha Kelly; brothers Arnold and Clarence; and half-siblings Cecil, Lavern, Dwaine, Adelia Deterville, Elaine Sanford, and Dorothy Nelsen. Over time, his circle shrank, but the ties that remained remained solid.
Willy was one of those well-known characters in Valentine who become part of the town’s background; you could nod to him on the street or see him taking care of things at the hospital or school. His modest demeanor left a subtle mark that is most noticeable when it disappears.
On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., family and friends will assemble at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines to honor Willy’s life. There will be a private family funeral at Mt. Hope Cemetery, a serene location with a view of the town he spent his whole life in.