Goodwin A. Hoff, 98, died peacefully on October 15, 2025 at Eventide Sheyenne Crossing in West Fargo.
Goodwin was born February 25, 1927 to Goodwin J. and Amelia Hoff in Fargo. He graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1944 and attended Concordia College in Moorhead until he became ill with spinal meningitis. He completed his education at Moorhead State University graduating with a degree in Economics in 1971.
Goodwin married Beverly J. Leverson on September 15, 1950.
He was drafted and entered the United States Army in July of 1951. He served his 2-year enlistment as a heavy equipment parts specialist near Seoul, South Korea during the Korean Conflict. His piano playing skills were noticed, and he became the accompanist for evening prayer services on the ship to Japan, as well as for worship services in Korea.
Goodwin worked for the Fargo City Health Department for 39 years, retiring in June of 1989.
Goodwin was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church in Fargo. Faith and service were priorities in his life. He was active in many areas of the church including playing on the First Lutheran slow-pitch softball team and teaching Sunday school. He sang in the Cathedral Choir for 60 years, participated in Helping Hands, and was a member of First Club. He was a past president of the First Lutheran congregation.
Goodwin was also active in the community serving as Longfellow Elementary School’s first PTA president. He taught ESL, volunteered with Daily Bread and his condominium association, and sang in the Barbershop Chorus.
Goodwin valued spending time with his family and friends. In his younger years, pitching horseshoes was a popular pastime. He later pitched in a league with his cousin. He learned to snow ski to spend time with his family. Later in life, Goodwin enjoyed golfing with friends and family. In retirement, he added a daily morning bike ride during the summer months. Goodwin had a routine of morning floor exercises. This was a practice started in the army, that continued into his 90’s.
Goodwin is survived by his three daughters and their spouses; Cindy (Bob) Splichal of Fargo, ND, Marcia (Steve) Pitzenberger of Lansdale, PA, Laurie (Owen) Hamre of West Fargo, ND; five grandchildren, Brian (Jes) Splichal, Laura (Rob) Maeyaert, Jason Splichal, Dan Hamre, Sarah (Bryan) Gefroh; and nine great-grandchildren, Addison, Serena and Cade Gefroh, Reese Hamre, Cooper and Zoey Maeyaert, Daniel, Emmitt, and Chet Splichal.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly; parents, Goodwin J and Amelia; and brothers, Curtis and Dean.
His family is grateful for the care Goodwin received from staff at Eventide Prairie Square, Sheyenne Crossing, and Sanford Hospice.
Memorials may be sent to First Lutheran Church in Fargo, Sanford Health Foundation Fargo, 736 North Broadway, Fargo, ND 58102 or Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601
First Lutheran Church
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