Dale R. Hoffman, beloved husband, father, and PopPop

SHINGLEHOUSE, Pa. — After a long illness due to heart attack complications, Dale R. Hoffman, 77, of Shinglehouse, formerly of Mt. Pleasant Mills, was called home Sunday (Oct. 5, 2025).

Dale was born Nov. 13, 1947, in Mt. Pleasant Mills, Snyder County. He was the fifth child out of 10 born from Ernest Elijah Hoffman and Sarah Mae Frymoyer Hoffman.

The Hoffman family had a proud Pennsylvania Dutch heritage and work ethic with their strong farming backgrounds. Dale was fond of saying, “If you ain’t Dutch, you ain’t much!” and loved to speak various words in the language.

On Aug. 24, 1968, he married Carol A. Hayes in Mt Pleasant Mills, and they were married 57 years. Dale and Carol honeymooned in Niagara Falls and Potter County, a place they fell in love with.

As a young man, Dale hauled for his father’s milk truck business for seven years. He started renting his own dairy farm with 16 cows in 1972, while he was still hauling milk. Then in 1976, his dream of owning his own farm came true when he and Carol bought their home and 400 acres near Shinglehouse in Potter County.

Throughout his years farming, he was also a dedicated advocate for the agricultural industry. He was awarded the prestigious Master Farmer Award in 2004, the Dairy Beef Quality Assurance Award in 2017, and many other distinctions of honor.

He loved being a member on his many committees and boards, including, the Grassroots PA Dairy Advisory Committee, First Citizens Community Bank Board, Potter-Tioga Farm Bureau, Ag Choice/Farm Credit Board, Conservation District Board and Potter County Fair Board. His accomplishments are not limited to the previous list, as he was forever a kind, supportive, friend to all and a role model to everyone who met him.

Besides his love of farming, he loved the great outdoors, preserving chestnut trees, making apple cider, making maple syrup,and hunting. He hunted in Potter County as well as in Colorado, where he would take his once-a-year vacation to the Rockies for the big game hunting seasons.

He was a proud family man; he and Carol have four children, Keith (Heather) Hoffman, Bradley (Cathy) Hoffman, Tricia (Brady) Adams and Joshua (Jennifer) Hoffman; 17 grandchildren, Skylar (Derek), Colton (Jeremy), Macoy (Claire), Rylie, Carter, MaKenna (Dylan), Taylor, Holden, Marley, Natalie, Hudson, Joshua, Miriam, Esther, Tiffany (Nathan), Justen (Christina) and Marissa; and lastly, nine great-grandchildren, Lane, RaeLynn, Kinsley, Waylon, Kolson, Decker, Jaylen, Adelynn and Cameron.

His legacy will be carried on and his memory never forgotten with his family who loves him dearly.

He was predeceased by his eldest brother, Elmer; and his parents; but he is survived by his other eight siblings, Leona Hess, Carol (Bob) Glace, Gary (Rosalee) Hoffman, Linda (Larry) Goodling, Ronald Hoffman, Sidney (Sue) Hoffman, Judy (William) Spriggle and Lois (Dennis Heath); many nieces and nephews; and extensive family he built.

His loss has left a massive hole in the hearts of those who loved him, but his memory will continue to live on through his family and friends.

Family and friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., today (Oct. 8, 2025) at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 S. Union St., Shinglehouse, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday (Oct. 9, 2025) at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Puritan Street, Shinglehouse, where funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. in the church, with the Rev. Thomas Brown officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dale’s name may be made to the Potter County Fair Association, c/o Marsha Prince, 1151 Eleven Mile Road, Shinglehouse, PA 16748, to facilitate members of FFA and 4-H Clubs in Potter County.

Dale’s family has entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Dale, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.