William J. Hoffmann

William J. Hoffmann, Jr. (Bill) peacefully passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024 at his daughter’s home in Waukegan, Illinois in the presence of several family members.  Just days before, he had received Last Rites; the Apostolic Pardon; and, Holy Viaticum from his close friend, Fr. Lawrence Smith.  At the time of his visit, Fr. Smith and several family members prayed the Holy Rosary with him.  Bill was also especially devoted to wearing the brown scapular and was wearing one at the time of his death.

Bill was born November 20, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois to William J. Hoffmann, Sr. and Gertrude Dressel Hoffmann.  He was preceded in death by his loving parents and his sisters, Rita (Ed) Denten and Frances.  He is survived by his sister, Mary Catherine (Michael) Ryan.  

Bill was united in marriage to Yolanda Volini at St. Ita’s Church, in Chicago, on October 30, 1954.  Their union was a testament of enduring love, spanning 67 years, until Yolanda’s death in 2022. They were blessed with seven children:  Mary Ellen Swee (Robert); Teresa O’Keefe (Jim); Bill; John (Christina); Elizabeth Ahumada, R.I.P. (Marco); Jean Bomberger (Michael); Catherine Williams (Richard).  Bill was also the proud grandfather of thirty-four grandchildren (including four Catholic religious sisters in Italy); four great-grandchildren; and, fifty-one nieces and nephews.  Bill was also preceded in death by Yolanda's parents, Dr. and Mrs. Italo Volini and the following in-laws:  Dr. and Mrs. John Meyer; Dr. and Mrs. Frederick Volini;  Dr. and Mrs. Bart Heffernan; Mr. and Mrs. Edward Marciniak; Mr. Dennis Horan; Mr. and Mrs. Camillo Volini; Mr. and Mrs. Francis Volini; Miss Patricia Volini; Mr. Thomas Volini.  Surviving in-laws are:  Mrs. Dolores Horan; Mrs. Loretta Volini; and, Mrs. Mary Catherine Volini.

Bill met Yolanda Volini on a blind date and, after they  married, they moved to Germany  where he completed his US Army military tour.  Upon returning to Chicago, he made a successful career for himself in the real estate industry.  Bill was a devoted husband and father; valued traditional family values; and, provided well for his large family.  He was wholly devoted to the Traditional Latin Mass.

Upon retirement, Bill traveled frequently to visit his children who had moved to California.  He served as a member and Board of Governor of The Chicago International Wine and Food Society.  He was a wine connoisseur and enthusiastic collector of fine wines.  Bill was a consummate chef and believed, alongside Andre L. Simon, founder of the International Wine and Food Society, "...that an intelligent approach to the pleasures and problems of the table offered far greater rewards than the mere satisfaction of the appetite."

As their health declined, Bill and Yolanda were warmly welcomed into their daughter’s home to live out their remaining years.

Bill would appreciate your support of the Consoling Sisters (located in Italy, India, and America).  Checks may be made payable to the American Trust Fund:  Friends of the Consoling Sisters, P.O. Box 2073, Post Falls, Idaho  83877.  Wire transfers are also accepted DONATE - THE CONSOLING SISTERS OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

Visitation in honor of Mr. Hoffmann will take place on Friday, February 2, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Saint Pius V Shrine, 30 Miller Road, Lake Zurich, Illinois 60047.  Recitation of  the Holy Rosary, for the repose of his soul, will commence at 10:30 AM, followed by a traditional Requiem Mass at 11:00 AM.  Interment will follow at Saint Mary Cemetery, at Sheridan and Spruce, Lake Forest, Illinois 60045.  Reception to follow interment at Froggy's French Cafe, 306 Green Bay Road, Highwood, Illinois 60040.