M. Joanna Hoffman

Margaret Joanna (Joan) Hoffman was born on September 4, 1932, and passed away peacefully in her room at the Cedars Assisted Living, on December 10th , 2025, at the age of 93. Joan’s parents were Forest and Florence (Austin) Begerow.

Joan was born at Lake Odessa, MI, and raised on the Begerow farm near Woodland, Michigan. Joan contributed to the farming and household chores. She was an active member of the Woodland Church of the Brethren. It was during a youth event in Florida that she met her future husband, Paul Hoffman. Both Paul and Joan attended Manchester College with degrees in education. They married on April 11, 1954, and together raised their four children, Deborah, Daniel, John, and James.

Family was a priority for Joan, and she postponed her career goals to raise their children. Early in her marriage, the family moved multiple times, making their homes in Michigan, Indiana, and California. When the children became more self-sufficient, she pursued her career choice as an educator, earning two master’s degrees. She taught at multiple levels including elementary, high school, and college.

Joan was a very gifted musician and could play the piano by ear. She played and sang for her children as well as many worship services. She was a dedicated lifelong member and supporter of the Church of the Brethren and helped instill these values in all of her children. She read her Bible consistently and believed in living according to Jesus’s teachings.

Closing in on retirement, Paul and Joan purchased a home just southwest of the city of McPherson. It was located on the edge of a large pond and became what would be known as the “Lakehouse.” Joan hosted many meals for families and friends and church events.

In 2015, they decided to move into the Cedars Village in McPherson. The Lakehouse was sold to one of the Hoffman children and continues to host family gatherings. All four children lived in close proximity to the McPherson area, and she enjoyed spending time with family. Her last earthly home was the Assisted Living apartments at The Cedars, where she stayed until she was called Home.

Joan is survived by brother, Bob and Betty (Dravenstatt) Begerow; sons, Dan and Dawn (Robbins), John and Sandy (Sharp), Jim and Lisa (Lee); son-in-law, John Wagoner; as well as 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Hofman; parents, Forest and Florence Begerow; sister, Vivian Steele; brother, John Begerow; daughter, Deb Wagoner; grandson, Samuel Hoffman; and great-granddaughter, Ophelia Santillan.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Friday, December 19, 2025, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. The memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, December 20, at McPherson Church of the Brethren with Rev. Kathryn Whitacre & Rev. Chris Whitacre officiating. The final resting place will be at the Monitor Cemetery.

Casual/comfortable dress is appropriate attire for the service.

Memorials can be given to the Joanna and Paul Hoffman Scholarship Fund at McPherson College or McPherson Church of the Brethren (for food bank vouchers) in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.