CIRCLEVILLE – Alva “Frosty” Hoffman passed away on May 26 two days before Memorial Day. Frosty was a 97-year-old veteran of World War 2, where he served in the U.S. Coast Guard during the 1945 battle at Okinawa, Japan. He was a graduate of Walnut School in 1939, worked at DuPont in Circleville after 27 years. Frosty was part of The New Holland Masonic Lodge 392 F & A.M., the BPOE #77 of Circleville for over 65 years, a lifetime member of both AMVETS Post 2256 and VFW 3331, and American Legion Post 134.
Frosty asked for “no crying and no tears, as he had lived a fulfilling life. He asked for a celebration of life, not a sad goodbye. The only regret that I was told is that Frosty wanted to live long enough to give his respects to the fallen soldiers on Memorial day, Frosty always held Memorial day as a significant holiday.
On June 3, at AMVETS post-2256 located here in Circleville had a celebration of life for Frosty. The Hoffman family said a few words during the celebration, “On behalf of Hoffman’s family we want to thank everyone who came today to celebrate frosty’s life. This may not be the traditional memorial service your accustom to, but we are honoring Frosty’s wishes. He wanted friends and family to come together to bid him farewell, and to remember all the good and happy times. He wanted no sadness; he was a proud and dignified man, Frosty was a respected man, he did not want any praise or glory to come to him. He knew he had been blessed with longevity and good health. He has left and created a beautiful legacy of family and love,” said The Hoffman Family.
“Frosty lived a long life of 97 years, he was a proud American, he was a hard worker and a good old man. He was a good father, grandfather, friend and coworker. I couldn’t ask for a better lifelong friend in my life. Its hard to let him go but the time comes for all of us.”
The American Legion on June 3 was packed full of family and friends; the legion had to set up more tables and chairs for the event. Family and friends celebrated with a carry in of all kinds of different foods and desserts. As Frosty’s request, I didn’t witness too much crying, but a lot of laughter and happiness as family and friends gathered together to celebrate a long and happy life.
“I want everyone to have a drink, so the bar is open. Have a beer on me and celebrate my life,” Alva “Frosty” Hoffman.
The entirety of the obituary is here :
Alva “Frosty” Hoffman, 97 of Circleville, passed away Sat. May 26, 2018 at home, surrounded by his family. He was born on Jan. 23, 1921 to the late Alva R. and Mary D. (Mock) Hoffman. Frosty retired from DuPont in Circleville after 27 years. He was a graduate of Walnut School in 1939 and was a veteran of WW II in the U.S. Coast Guard during this time in 1945 he was in battle at Okinawa, Japan. A member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Ashville, New Holland Masonic Lodge 392 F & A.M. , the BPOE #77 of Circleville for over 65 years, a life time member of both AMVETS Post 2256 and VFW 3331, and American Legion Post 134. He was also a proud member of the NRA.
Preceded in death by daughter Marsha H. Balthaser, infant granddaughter Jacqueline, brother Harold (Cecila), sister Erma (Bur) Kline, and Rosemary (Richard) Garrison.
Survived by his wife of 65 years Kathleen Joan (Clark) Hoffman; son Mark Forrest (Donna) Hoffman of Circleville; sister Dorothy Cook of Circleville; son-in-law Donald Balthaser of Ashville; grandchildren, Beth (Brian) Yeazel of Washington C.H., Jenna (Dane) Gilbert of Waverly, Adam and Ben Balthaser both of Ashville; 2 step grandchildren, Steven (Heather) Hardbarger of Logan and Stacey (Daniel) Thomas of Circleville; 9 great grandchildren.
Frosty’s request was to have no visitation and to have a Celebration of Life Gathering with family and close friends which will be held on Sunday, June 3rd at 1:00 p.m. at the American Legion Post 134 in Circleville, OH. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to: Berger Hospice, 600 N. Pickaway St. Circleville 43113.
