Larry “Whitey” J. Hoffman

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and loyal rescuer of Saint Bernards, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, September 2, 2026. He was 79 years old.

Larry was born on May 12, 1947, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Newell John and Lucille Ann (Voss) Hoffman. A lifelong native of Kochville Township, he attended Jewett Elementary and Saginaw Public Schools before graduating from Arthur Hill High School in 1965.

On July 6, 1966, Larry was called to serve his country in the United States Army. He served in the artillery and traveled throughout Vietnam, where he witnessed the Tet Offensive, an experience that remained with him throughout his life. Larry was honorably discharged on June 4, 1968, and returned home to Saginaw.

Larry was fortunate to find love more than once throughout his life. Upon returning from the Army, he married his first wife, Barbara Ann Goodman. Together, they shared 34 years of marriage until her passing on March 27, 2003. When Barbara's health began to decline, Larry retired early embracing the role of caregiver with love and dedication.

Through his best friend, Mike, Larry serendipitously met the last love of his life, Catherine “Kit” M. Carland, at Grand Central, in Saginaw. They were, in many ways, completely opposite in personality and energy, but somehow, those differences brought them together. They began dating, fell deeply in love, and were united in marriage on November 13, 2010. Kit survives him.

Throughout his working life, Larry held a variety of careers. He served as a Service Representative with Pitney Bowes Office Supply. His work took him throughout the state of Michigan, repairing postage meters and copiers. His ability to navigate Michigan’s back roads earned him the affectionate title of “King of Back Road Navigation and Road Trips.” From Indian River to Dundee, Larry seemed to know every road, every town, and just about everyone along the way. After 25 years of loyal and dedicated service, he retired. He later began working as driver for Napolitano Bakery then the manager of the bus garage for Bridgeport-Spaulding Township Schools.

Of all the roles Larry held throughout his life, the one he treasured and cherished most was that of a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His family was the center of his world, filling his heart with love, pride, and joy. He was immensely proud of his children and their accomplishments and treasured the time he spent with his family.

Larry had a lifelong need for speed. He loved fast cars, big boats, especially his beloved “Wild Hog”, and anything loud enough to turn a few heads. He had a particular appreciation for vintage cars and enjoyed attending car shows where he could share stories with fellow car owners.

Animals were another great love in Larry’s life. He loved all animals, but Saint Bernards held a special place in his heart. A true advocate for animal welfare, Larry and Kit opened their home and hearts to adult Saint Bernards in need, many of whom might not have survived without their compassion, dedication, and tireless efforts. Together, they rescued, cared for, and gave these gentle giants a second chance at life.

Larry believed in being part of his community. He was a lifelong member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 82 and American Legion Post 9808. He was once asked to serve as Kochville Township Grand Marshal, an honor he humbly declined. Larry loved and was passionate about all sports, but his first love was softball, generously volunteering his time with both fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball leagues. Larry was also an accomplished golfer, pool player, and bowler and participated in various leagues throughout the years.

Larry was knowledgeable had a genuine curiosity about the world around him. He enjoyed keeping up with current events, watching his favorite television news programs, following politics, and staying informed about what was happening in the world. As the years passed, Larry became quieter and more reflective, but his unmistakable personality never left him.

Fiercely independent, Larry also possessed a great and mischievous sense of humor. He loved to tease, push a few buttons, and see just how far he could get before someone caught on. His sense of humor was uniquely his own, and those who knew him best will always smile when remembering one of his jokes, schemes, or the look on his face when he knew he had gotten someone good.

Larry cherished his time with Kit, especially their Thursday night “date nights” at Heck’s Bar. He also loved spending time in Larry Jr.’s “man cave”, the garage, where he could relax and spend time with his son and several close friends. He shared a special relationship with his daughter, Julie. Their conversations over the phone were a treasured part of his life. She was not only his daughter but a loyal confidant.

Larry lived life on his own terms. Some of Larry’s happiest moments were the everyday traditions he shared with those closest to him. He especially cherished his Thursday night “date nights” with his beloved wife, Kit, at Heck Bar. He was independent, devoted, loved deeply and his greatest joy were the people and animals he loved. His family will remember his quiet strength, wonderful sense of humor, stories, and the countless ways he showed up for those he loved.

In true Larry fashion, he had a deep appreciation for his remote control. He and Kit shared a special fondness for the character Beth on “Yellowstone”. They enjoyed her portrayal of strength, independence, and always being unapologetically herself.

Above all, Larry will be remembered for his love which resonated through humor, teasing, conversation, companionship, and the countless ordinary moments that become extraordinary to his family. His presence, his laughter, and his wonderfully mischievous spirit will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Surviving are his wife of 16 years, Catherine “Kit” Hoffman of Saginaw; two children: Julie (Glenn) Cronkright of Saginaw; Larry (Jenny) Hoffman of Saginaw; two bonus children: Chelsea Marr of Saginaw; Joseph Marr of Lead, SD; his Saint Bernard kids: Molly McTrouble and Gus the Goof; multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren too numerous to mention but held closely to his heart.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Ann Hoffman; a grandson; parents, Newell and Lucille Hoffman; a brother, Bill Hoffman; and a sister, Sally Hoffman.

Honoring Larry’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Family and friends may gather at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, MI 48603 on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Military honors and burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd., Holly, MI 48442 under the auspices of the United States Army and VFW Post 1859. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Hoffman Family c/o Catherine Hoffman or the Saginaw County Animal Control Center Resource Center. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, cemetery, or through www.casefuneralhome.com.