Fred Hoffman, born in 1891 in Eureka, South Dakota, took on early family responsibilities after his father’s death. Moving to McIntosh County, he worked tirelessly to support his family. In 1933, he married Bertha Heyd and farmed near Ashley until 1960. A dedicated member of the Zion Lutheran Church, Fred passed away in 1962. He and Bertha had one daughter, Alvina. Mrs. Hoffman continued to reside in Ashley after the death of her husband, maintaining the legacy of resilience and family unity that defined their lives.
Fred Hoffman was born December 30, 1891 in Eureka, South Dakota. He was the son of Samuel and Katherina (nee Werre) Hoffman, both of whom were born in South Russia.
A few years later he, with his parents, one brother and two sisters, left Eureka and came to McIntosh County. The family located their homestead on Section 27, Township 129, Range 69. While still a young boy, Fred had to assume the responsibilities as head of the family, owing to the death of his father. He spent his boyhood trying to earn a living for his mother and family.
In 1933 he was united in marriage to Bertha Heyd, the daughter of John and Katherina (nee Hauck) Heyd of Long Lake, South Dakota. The ceremony was performed by Reverend H. M. Bauer of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. The young couple located on a farm eight miles southeast of Ashley and resided there until September 1960 when they moved to Ashley. Two years later, February 17, 1962, Mr. Hoffman died, at the age of 72 years.
Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman were members of the Zion Lutheran Church. They had one child, Alvina, born March 7, 1934. She is married to Wilbert Ulrich.
Mrs. Hoffman still resides (1963) in their home in Ashley.