Joseph Arthur Hofmann, Jr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Arthur Hofmann, Jr., who left this world on June 12, 2025, in Oconomowoc, WI, at the age of 53.

Born on March 17, 1972, in Rock Island, IL, Joe lived a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. His journey began in the Illinois Quad Cities, where he was raised by his devoted parents, Joseph A. Hofmann, Sr. and Patsy A. (Sims) Hofmann, who instilled in him the values of kindness, perseverance, and family. Joe's educational journey took him from Moline High School, where he graduated in 1990, to Black Hawk College, where he completed his studies in 1992. He would go on to build an impressive career spanning 25 years, holding various store management positions with Sears Holding Corporation in locations such as Moline IL, Galesburg IL, and Madison WI. Most recently, Joe was a valued member of the management team at Walmart in South Milwaukee, where his dedication and strong work ethic left a lasting impact on colleagues and customers alike.

On March 28, 1996, Joe and first wife, Carolyn Kaalberg, were blessed by the arrival of his precious daughter, Alaina JoAnn Hofmann. From her first breath, she was the apple of his eye.

On March 11, 2000, Joe married the love of his life, Janeen Faria, in a beautiful ceremony in Las Vegas, NV, surrounded by his parents and Janeen’s family. Janeen moved cross country, from California to Illinois, in the middle of winter, to join the family.

Joe cherished his family above all else, and he took immense pride in watching Alaina grow into the remarkable woman she is today. He spent many years cheering her on as she played Softball for Heartland Havoc, Moline High School, and Augustana College. He even spent time coaching her Havoc teams. Alaina made her father extremely proud when she graduated from the University of Iowa with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. In November 2020, Joe was honored to give her hand in marriage to Chandler Klauer (“the boy”), during a small outdoor wedding ceremony that showcased his deep love and support for his daughter's happiness. He was able to share his excitement with extended family and friends, for the marriage, at a larger celebration in June 2021.

Joe was the epitome of a family man. He is survived by his beloved wife, Janeen, Nashotah, WI; his daughter & son-in-law Alaina & Chandler Klauer, Blue Grass, IA; his father & mother Joseph Sr & Patsy Sims-Hofmann, East Moline, IL; his sister & brother-in-law Sherri & Robert Vickers, Davenport IA; his sister-in-law and dear friend Nyreen Faria-Fleig, Lathrop, CA; his brother-in-law & sister-in-law James & Chris Faria, Reno, NV. He was a beloved uncle to Tyler Hast (Michael), Hoffman Estates, IL, Ryan Vickers (Kayla), Davenport, IA, and Alex Vickers, Davenport, IA, his grand dogs Copper & Fred as well as a proud great-uncle to Kaicyn and Aiden. Joe also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and Janeen’s cousins Robert, Marcy, & Abby Benner, who will all miss him dearly. Since Joe has been battling the effects of a brain injury, he has spent many hours with his dog, Oakley. She enjoyed the time and loved to take off with his glasses and chew them. She will miss Joe as well as those glasses!

Joe was a man of many interests. He found immense joy camping with his beloved dog, Captain, even setting up a tent in their living room for indoor adventures when the weather did not cooperate. He was an attendee of Hope Church in Oconomowoc, WI, where he found community and spiritual support. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother-in-law, Nyra Faria, and brother-in-law, Bill Fleig. Joe also mourned the loss of his cherished dogs, Captain and Hot Diggidy Dog, who were as much a part of the family as any human member.

Joe's life was a testament to love, dedication, and resilience. He faced the challenges of life, including open heart surgery and complications from a traumatic brain injury, with courage and grace. His kindness, humor, and unwavering support will be remembered by all who had the privilege to know him.

A celebration of Joe's life will be held for his family and friends from his life in the Quad Cities with an open house on Friday, June 20, 2025, from 3:00 PM-6:00 PM, at Tap 22 (1443 1st Street, Silvis, IL 61282), where family and friends will stop in to honor his memory and share in the love that he so freely gave. We invite all who knew Joe to come and remember the light he brought into our lives, a light that will never be extinguished in our hearts. Joe’s favorite baseball team was the Chicago Cubs. Wearing a Cubs shirt will honor his lifelong commitment to “his team”.

A visitation will take place on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Hope Church, located at 2431 N Dousman Rd, Oconomowoc, WI 53066, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, followed by a prayer service.

Rest in peace, Joseph Arthur Hofmann, Jr. You will be deeply missed, but your spirit will forever remain a guiding light for those you loved.