Carl Joseph Hoffman

Carl Joseph Hoffman, 25, Grand Forks, ND, formerly of Benson, MN, passed away in his sleep of natural causes Friday, October 18, 2019, at home. Visitation will be from 4–8 p.m., Friday, October 25, 2019, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson. Visitation will continue from 9–10 a.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., Saturday, October 26, 2019, at St. Francis Catholic Church. Interment will be in the Church Cemetery.

Three weeks overdue, Carl Joseph Hoffman was born on December 17, 1993, in Willmar, Minnesota. He didn’t really want to come out into the world, but eventually graced his parents, Rob and Mary Alice Hoffman, with his presence. He was a happy-go-lucky child and there was always wonder in his world. Carl eventually moved from Willmar to Benson, Minnesota, with his Mom, Dad, and brother Quinn.
A few miles outside of Benson, on a five acre playground of trees and wide open grassy spaces, a young Carl spent many hours playing baseball on a makeshift diamond. He had fantasy baseball teams that played one another, as he played the part of each player in the game. He would hit, run the bases, field the balls, and cheer on his favorite teams.
Throughout these years, Carl attended Northside Elementary School, Benson Elementary, and Benson High School where his childhood friends became his lasting friends, sharing endless days of adventures, and where he grew into the friendly, caring, witty person that he was as an adult. He was involved in many activities in school. He helped build a house, hoping to hone some of his carpentry skills. He played the trombone in band, pep band, and marching band. He was an avid sports fanatic, and played football, basketball, and baseball, cementing friendships with teammates and classmates.
Carl spent most of his summers tagging along with his dad to softball tournaments around the area. He learned the love of the game sitting on the bench, watching his dad and friends play each game, sometimes being the bat boy or calling a coin toss or two. He had a “softball family” at a young age. The State “Bank” of Danvers Men’s Softball Team kids became great friends.
Each fall Carl looked forward to the deer hunting weekends. He came home to hunt with his dad, brother, and sister. They headed out to the “forty” and went to their respective deer stands. Carl always got the “egg stand.” After sitting for some time, he would text his dad and ask if it was time for summer sausage sandwiches, a must have for these outings.
Carl’s love for softball flourished as a young adult. He was able to play on the same team as his dad and brother until all the “old” guys retired. He then went on to create his own team in Grand Forks, North Dakota. That team has given him some of his closest, enduring friends, including his brother Quinn. Carl created his own “softball family” as a manager, mentor, and player. The Bonzers boys’ bond grew as they celebrated their successes as a team.
In addition to his Bonzers team, Carl managed and played on a co-ed softball team, adding more people to his “softball family,” and convinced his sister Olivia to join the roster.
Carl met his college friends his freshman year at the University of North Dakota. After a year he struggled with what he wanted to do with his education, so decided to work. He wanted to stay in Grand Forks because of the friendships he had made. He worked at the UPS warehouse in the early morning hours and helped Rick Clowe with his sheet rocking business. He then decided to go to work for the competitor, and started driving a delivery truck for FedEx. Carl loved this job, getting out on the road, meeting new people, and working 8 to 5. This schedule lent beautifully to his softball schedule.
Carl never quit living life to the fullest. He gave everything he had on and off the field. As a brother to Quinn and Olivia, and a son to Rob and Mary, Carl shared his passion for life. He brought humor and laughter into the house, and there was never a dull moment. He created tight bonds with his brother and sister that are unmatchable. His love for his family and friends ran deep, and it showed in every aspect of his life.
The world has lost a wonderful, funny, caring, fun-loving, karaoke-singing, energetic “Dancing Carl.” In peace he breathed his last breath. In peace he watches over us. In love we celebrate Carl.

Carl leaves behind his family and many friends: his parents Rob and Mary Alice Hoffman, his brother Quinn, and his sister Olivia; his grandparents Norman and Becky Hoffman and Molly Hanson; his aunts, uncles, and cousins: Paul Hanson, Carly, Andi, Sam, Aleah, and Luke; Karen and Darryl Savage, CJ, Andrea, and Mackenna; Amy and Rodney Roers, Mitchell, Matthew, and Rachel; Christopher Hanson, Felicia Hanson, Ally and Nick; Joe and Elen Hanson, Ava, Lucy, and Victoria, Joan and Dave Gatzmeyer; Jennifer and Greg Burnham, Jack, and Abby; Rachel and Ryan Luft, Madelynn, Mamie, Henry, and Eleanor. Preceding him in death were his grandmother Eileen Hoffman and his grandfather S. DuWayne Hanson.