Ruben ‘Hot Rod’ Hoffman

Ruben “Hot Rod” Hoffman, age 80, rode off into the sunset on Feb. 23, 2024, when he peacefully took his last breath.

Ruben was born Nov. 21, 1943, in Shawano. He was the son of the late Anton and Loraine (Pevonka) Hoffman. At the age of 14, he set pins at the local bowling alley in Gresham. After turning 17, Ruben started driving milk truck and hauled milk cans to Morning Glory in Shawano where he would unload them by hand. One year later, he started working for Hoffman Transit where he hauled grain, cattle, logs, wood chips and corn all over Wisconsin and out of the state. About eight years later, Ruben started working for Haupt Contract Carriers where he hauled cross country. After that, he drove for multiple other companies until retirement.

After retirement, Ruben drove part time for Hartleben Farms and Hoffman Transit. Over the years, he accumulated millions of miles and got to the see the entire country from behind a steering wheel.

In Ruben’s free time, he enjoyed all kinds of hunting, fishing, spending time with friends and family, cooking maple syrup, driving anything with a motor and taking naps while driving in his sleep. He had multiple nicknames over the years such as, Hot Rod, Boobie and Grandpa.

Ruben is survived by his children, Windy (Henry) Perry and Derek (Kim) Rasmussen; stepson, Craig (Jody) Montour; nine grandchildren, Spencer Perry, Parker Perry, Kara, Karis, Kayla, Arty, Alex, Andy and Cody; siblings, Jeanette Crow, James Hoffman, Rosie Buchbuger, Rachel Mola and Cheryl Ketchum; and special nephew, Chuck Natzke and his family. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life for Ruben will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Woodland in Gresham from noon until 4 p.m. A brunch consisting of his favorite foods will be served.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Homme Home of Wittenberg staff and nurses for all their wonderful care and friendliness that they have provided.

In his own words of how he would end every phone call: “That’s all I know.”

www.swedbergfuneralhome.com