Jeffrey “Jeff” Charles Hoffman, 71, of Galion, passed away on September 11, 2026, at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center after a battle of Leukemia. Jeff was born on March 26, 1955, in Crestline, OH to the late Richard and Patricia (Mahaffey) Hoffman.
Jeff graduated from Galion High School with the Class of 1973.
On August 16, 1980, Jeff married his beloved wife, Dolores Miller. Together, they shared 46 years of marriage, building a life and a home filled with love, family, hard work, laughter, and countless memories.
Jeff was an active member of Grace Point Church and had a strong, quiet faith that was not always visible to others. He prayed, read his Bible, and knew the Word of the Lord. Most importantly, Jeff loved Jesus, and his faith was an important part of who he was.
Jeff was a hard worker throughout his entire life, beginning at a young age. As a child, he delivered newspapers, mowed yards, and delivered pizzas. As an adult, he often worked two jobs to provide for his family. He worked at North Electric for 16 years. When the company closed, Jeff returned to college to pursue his engineering degree. He went on to work at Anchor Swan and later at Dayco in Upper Sandusky before retiring from Crawford Machine. Along the way, Jeff also worked part-time as a mechanic.
Jeff completely remodeled his old farmhouse, transforming it into a warm and loving home for his family. He spent countless hours cutting and splitting wood to heat the house, always willing to put in the work necessary to provide for those he loved.
Jeff could fix just about anything, and he spent his entire life doing what he loved—figuring out how things worked and finding a way to make them work again. He never backed down from a challenge and was always willing to help someone in need. It didn’t matter what needed fixed; Jeff would give it a try and often found a way to get it working again. His mechanical ability showed itself at an early age. When he was just 16 years old, Jeff changed the transmission in his own car because he wanted a standard transmission instead of an automatic. That determination and willingness to learn stayed with him throughout his life.
Jeff was a man who truly loved animals, especially his dogs, Hub, Owen, and his beloved long-haired dachshund, Jasmine. He took his dogs everywhere with him. Jeff could often be found relaxing with a dog sitting on his lap. Jasmine was Jeff’s shadow and rarely left his side. She went everywhere with him, whether he was riding the lawn mower, the pontoon boat or his motorcycle. She would even ride along on the motorcycle, safely strapped into a harness and wearing her own goggles.
His love for animals extended beyond his own pets. He once bottle-fed an abandoned kitten and regularly fed the stray cats in the neighborhood—so many that their numbers seemed to keep growing. Jeff simply couldn’t turn away an animal in need, and his kindness toward them was just another reflection of the caring heart he had for all living things..
Jeff had a nickname for everyone, and Dolores sometimes never knew people’s real names because Jeff would always use the nickname he had given them. He loved to tease and joke with people and had a wonderful sense of humor. His great smile and playful personality could brighten a room.
Jeff loved a new adventure and made many fond memories throughout his life with Dolores and his family. He enjoyed camping, trips to the beach, vacations in Florida, and spending time with those he loved. Jeff and Dolores especially enjoyed riding their motorcycle together. They traveled all across the United States on the bike, just the two of them.
Jeff also loved fishing and spending time on his pontoon boat. He was especially grateful for the many days of retirement he was able to spend relaxing on the water and fishing. He enjoyed catching, cleaning, and frying the fish he caught. One of his special memories was teaching his granddaughter, Cheyenne, how to catch and clean a fish, passing along something he loved to the next generation.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Dolores Hoffman; his children; Jeffrey (Kyoko) Blair, Eric (Carissa) Hoffman and Ryan Hoffman; his grandchildren; Cheyenne and Melanie Blair; his siblings, Terry Hoffman and Sheri Hoffman; cousin, Sue Hoffman; nephews; Mike and Nathan Zeger; and his sibling in-laws; Barb Haferd, Irene Burd and Tim (Cathy) Miller.
In addition to his parents, Jeff was preceded in death by his sister, Debra Zeger.
Friends may call on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Grace Point Church, 683 Portland Way N., Galion, OH 44833 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm. Calling hours will be held again on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 10:00am until 11:00am at Grace Point Church. The service will immediately follow at 11:00am with Pastor Paul Walter officiating. Burial will follow in Iberia Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Point Church.
Those wishing to share a memory of Jeff or send condolences to the Hoffman family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.
The Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel, 303 Portland Way N., is honored to serve the family of Jeffrey Charles Hoffman.
Funeral Home: Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel
Website: www.masfh.com