September 4, 1934 - May 13, 2025
Thomas Mark Hofflander, age 90, of Apple Valley, formerly of Richfield, died May 13, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. He was born September 4, 1934, in Minneapolis to Borghild (Sand) and Herman Hofflander. Tom graduated from Minnehaha Academy in 1952, received an undergraduate degree from Augsburg College in January 1957, and a Master's degree from the University of Minnesota. He was a football captain at Augsburg College and used his love of sports to become an elementary physical education teacher, a mentor and a director in the Minneapolis Public Schools, touching countless young lives. Tom also served in the Army for two years.
In retirement, Tom was an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota and St. Catherine University. He mentored the next generation of teachers through the company he started, W.O.W.-Workshop on Wheels, that taught lessons for physical education teachers with innovative games and teamwork for students. Tom embodied a healthy lifestyle playing volleyball, golf, football and enjoying all sports, especially the Vikings.
Tom lived life to the fullest as a husband, father, grandfather and friend with humor, kindness, and funny one-liners. He will be dearly missed.
Survived by wife, Arlene "Acey" (Erickson-Middleton); children, Mark (Lil), Mike (Linda), Greg (Lea); step-children, Scott (Barb) Middleton, Shari (Rick) Lyrek; grandchildren, Danyelle (Craig) Post, Kristen (Andrew) Jones, Nicole (Ryan), Jenna (Luke), Courtney (Theo) Thompson, Sid (Katie) Larson; step-grandchildren, Michelle (Evan) Ward, Daniel (Kristen) Lyrek, Ryan (Ashley) Lyrek, Molly (Chris) Rocheford; great-grandchildren, Mason, Rowan, Juliette, Owen, Aubrey, Sienna, Olivia, Teddy, Vivienne, Oliver, Grace, Sid, Evelyn, Lowry, Soren, Rory, Louie, Solveig, Brooks and many friends and family.
Preceded in death by parents, wife, Carol (Tersch), brother, Robert, and daughter-in-law, Julie.
Thank you to caregivers at Orchard Path and Minnesota Hospice.
Memorials preferred to The Parkinson's Foundation or Woodlake Lutheran Church.
Visitation
Friday, May 30, 2025
10:00 - 11:00 AM
Woodlake Lutheran Church
2120 West 76th Street
Richfield, MN 55423
Memorial Service
Friday, May 30, 2025
11:00 AM
Woodlake Lutheran Church
2120 West 76th Street
Richfield, MN 55423
I’m so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He was a genuinely kind man with many talents and a big sense of humor. My sympathies to the family.
So sorry for lose of Tom he was a nice guy to talk to caring to all. Acey and all his family will miss him
We were so fortunate to have Tom as our mentor during our teaching careers! He was responsible for making all of us better teachers through in-services and WOW. My deepest condolences to Tom’s family
I grew up with Tom in S Mpls, played football both at MA and Augsburg with him; he was a wonderful person and teammate! I even remember his special mother from Nokomis Hts Lutheran Church, great memories!!
Memories the best phychial Ed teacher. Prayers, healing strength going out to Family and friends.
My Condolences. going out.
What an accomplished man. He will be missed. I remember seeing he and Acey going for regular walks in the neighborhood. From an old neighbor on Colfax Ave.
I am so sorry for you loss. Tom was such an inspiration to everybody. My deepest sympathy to the whole family.
Deepest sympathy for the loss of a loved one. Mr. Hofflander was my gym teacher at Harrison School in the 1960’s.