Ivan Martin HOFFMAN

HOFFMAN, GRIFFITH, DENNY

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 11/20/2010 at 22:36:35

IVAN MARTIN HOFFMAN

1886 - 1968

Ivan M. HOFFMAN was born January 25, 1886 on a farm in the Redding area of southeast Iowa, the son of David Franklin and Mary Serena (GRIFFITH) HOFFMAN. After completing his studies at Redding high school and the Simpson Academy he enrolled Simpson College. His emphasis on the study of classical languages was based on the conviction that to be a scholar one must know Greek and Latin. In an era when literary societies were prominent on campus, he was a member of the Kallonian Society and the college debate team. In his senior year he emphasized studies in the commercial department. After receiving the A.B. degree he began his life's work, teaching business education in secondary schools.

In August 1914 he married Susan DENNY of Redding, Iowa, who graduated from the Simpson Academy in 1912.

His first teaching assignment was in Jefferson, Iowa and he later moved to a forty-year career in St. Louis, Missouri, school system from which he retired in 1956. In 1932 he received his Master's degree from Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. HOFFMAN'S interests in higher education and his college were abiding. He was present at the 45th Anniversary reunion of his Class of 1913 at Simpson. His many friends were saddened by the passing of this loyal alumnus and friend on June 3, 1968.

Harriet HOFFMAN, his daughter, continues his work as a teacher.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, November of 2010