Mark Hoffman

With his ready smile, great sense of humor and straight forward, "tell it like it is" demeanor, Mark "Bundy" Hoffman enjoyed nothing more than a good bike run with friends and sharing a few laughs over a cold Bud at the end of the day. His family, however, was at the center of Mark's heart, and in them he found a companion of a lifetime, and children for which he was proud. Gone but never to be forgotten in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, Mark will be deeply missed.

The decade of the sixties was a time of revolution in the U.S., yet the year 1965 in particular was a pivotal turning point within the very core of America's culture. At a time when the U.S. government began to publically acknowledge the Vietnam War by sending massive numbers of troops to the front lines, anti-war movements and protests dominated the headlines from coast to coast. Civil unrest and social issues included rioting and looting while marches for equality were commonplace everywhere from college campuses to courthouse steps. Youth dominated the culture of the decade, and music of this transitioning time went on to become legend. Skateboards replaced roller skates and the debut of G.I. Joe was clearly a sign of the times. For Eugene and Bernice Hoffman of Chicago, Illinois, the days were made brighter with the birth of their healthy baby boy, Mark, born on August 13, 1965.

Raised in the Chicago area, Mark grew up alongside his brothers, Mike, Dan, Marty, John, and Matt as well as his sisters, Genne, Teri, and Joyce. To support their bustling household, Mark's father owned his own business, Century Tool & Supply Company while his mother worked as the secretary for their business along with her role as homemaker. During his youth he enjoyed fishing and shared adventures playing outdoors with his brothers and neighborhood friends, especially basketball. While attending the local schools, Mark was a friend to many. He enjoyed playing the trombone in his high school band where he also served as a drum major, and also played on the school baseball team. Along with his studies and social life, Mark worked alongside many friends and family members at B & B Catering.

Following high school, Mark completed a few years of music school but eventually found his niche after learning the trade as an over the road truck driver. He liked the open road, and his new found career somewhat satisfied his thirst for seeing the country. He first worked for McIntyre Group Ltd. where in 1990 he met one of his best friends, Robert.

Ultimately, Mark's life was forever changed in 1985 when he met the love of his life through Ellen, his sister-in-law. His first date with Linda Jones took place on February 2, 1985 and from then on they spent all the time they could together. After several years dating and falling deeply in love, they became husband and wife on October 22, 1988.

Mark had all he dreamed of until he and Linda became parents of their four wonderful kids, Brittany, Luke, Mark, and Joseph. Loving and attentive, Mark raised them to be respectful, kind and considerate of others. He taught them the importance of hard work and earning things, wanted and needed. Having led by example, he also taught them to be successful in all they did just as he worked hard to provide a good life for them. Although often fun-loving, Mark's stern personality allowed others to know when he meant business. He had a knack for sarcasm, and most often won a heated discussion, debate, or when he gave his unbiased opinion because he couldn't stand to be wrong!

In 1995 Mark left McIntyre and began working for Vitran Express where he remained for the next 15 years, but life for Mark wasn't about all work. He enjoyed taking his family on weekend camping trips to Lake Will Sportsman's Club in Wilmington, just northwest of their home in Bradley. He also liked riding his Harley with friends and continued his love for fishing, and liked hunting, too. He enjoyed the hard rock sounds of bands such as Pearl Jam and Guns N' Roses, and when it came to TV, he liked watching fishing shows and the History Channel. Truth be told, he especially loved watching cartoons with his son, Joseph. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church as well as the Lake Will Sportsman's Club.

A straight shooting kind of guy, Mark "Bundy" Hoffman had a great sense of humor which was usually mixed with a hint of his sarcastic nature. It was one of the many traits he was so loved for, among many. A loyal friend, he could be counted on in any situation. In the love and pride of family, Mark found his greatest joy. Although he will always be remembered for ways all his own, the many memories he shared with those closest to him will be forever treasured.

At the age of 46, Mark E. Hoffman, of Bradley, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, July 7, 2012 at home. Mark is survived by his wife Linda; his four children: Brittany, Luke, Mark, and Joseph; five brothers: Mike (Sandy) Hoffman of Wisconsin, Dan (Mary-Louise) Hoffman of Chicago, Marty Hoffman of Iowa, John (Phyllis) Hoffman and Matt Hoffman, both of Chicago; three sisters: Genne (Norb) Urbanski of Wisconsin, Teri (Kurt) Deckelman of Lemont, and Joyce (Bob) Wiltzius of Oak Lawn. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A gathering time for friends and family will be held Wednesday, July 11, 2012 from 3-8 PM at the Schreffler Life Story Funeral Home - Bourbonnais Chapel, 1100 North Convent Street in Bourbonnais. The funeral Mass celebrating Mark's life will be held Thursday, July 12, 2012, 11:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bradley. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. To share a favorite memory or photo of Mark and to sign his online guest book, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.