Clarence C. Hoffman

Clarence Clifford Hoffman was born on August 7, 1933, the son of John and Christina (Rath) Hoffman in Leola, South Dakota. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. Clarence graduated from Leola High School with the class of 1951. He earned his bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University in 1959. Additionally, he proudly served in the United States Army until his honorable discharge as a sergeant. 

On December 28, 1968, Clarence married Lynn Beaudean at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak. They were blessed with two sons, Louis and John and made their home in Charter Oak until they relocated to Denison. They were also blessed with two bonus children, Mike and Michelle. He taught at Correctionville High School from 1959 to 1963, where he earned the Broadcaster’s Educator of the Year Award. In high school as a student and later as a teacher, he was a leader in Future Farmers of American (FFA). 

In 1963, Clarence opened, owned, and operated the Hoffman Agency in Charter Oak, which expanded over time to 11 locations across western Iowa and remains in business to this day. He was an active leader in the insurance industry, serving as a former member of the executive board of the Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa for seven years. He also served as president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa Association from 1976 to 1977. Clarence played a key role as co-chair for the Centennial Celebration at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, and co-chaired a fundraiser for the Crawford County Medical Clinic. He was a dedicated member of the Crawford County Development Corporation for 15 years, serving as president for two of those years. Clarence also served as president for both Consultants for Insurance Agencies and County Risk Management Services Company, which provides coverage to approximately 80 percent of Iowa Counties. As an expert witness in insurance-related court cases, he earned respect in the field. In 2004, he was inducted into the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame. Clarence did not view selling insurance as just a way to make a living; he was passionate about his work because it allowed him to offer something truly valuable to others. He took great care to do it the right way, always prioritizing the needs of those he served. This dedication was a true reflection of his character.

Clarence’s public service extended to the Iowa House of Representatives, where he served from 1998 to 2008, representing the 55th District. During his final term, he served on the Commerce, Local Government, and Economic Growth committees, where he was the ranking member. He also served on the Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee. Clarence was re-elected in 2006 with 6,297 votes, running unopposed, a testament to his reputation and dedication. He was dedicated to bringing political parties together for the common good of Iowa. 

Clarence was a committed member of St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak and later Our Savior Lutheran Church in Denison. He enjoyed golfing, particularly the 19th hole. He had a gift for making friends wherever he went and was always eager to chat with others. Dining out and grilling were some of his favorite pastimes. Above all, he cherished creating lasting memories with family and friends.

Clarence passed away on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison at the age of 91 years, six months and 21 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Leo (Delores) Hoffman, Harry (Violet) Hoffman, Luther (Delores) Hoffman, and Art (Ruth) Hoffman; and grandson, Peyton Sears. 

Clarence is survived by his wife of over 56 years, Lynn Hoffman of Denison; four children: John (Joy) Hoffman of Bemidji, Minnesota, Louis (Heatherlyn) Hoffman of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Michael (Melissa) Sears of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Michelle Polzin of Denison; grandchildren: Hanna, Cameron, Lakoda, Lukaya, Lyon, Mya, Liberty, Luke, Drew (Claire), and Blake; sister, Vera (Walter) Job of Sisseton, South Dakota; and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Denison. His funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Denison. Interment with military honors will follow at Crawford Heights Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak, Our Savior Lutheran Church in Denison, Majestic Hills Golf Course in Denison, TAPP in Denison, or to the family for a professional development fund to be started with the Big I. 

His funeral service will be live streamed to Our Savior Lutheran Church Facebook page.