Grant Hoffner
Grant Joseph Hoffner 74, of Fargo, ND, and Casa Grande, AZ, died peacefully in his “man-cave” in Arizona of natural causes on February 25th. Grant was born August 10, 1946 to Herb and Nila Hoffner in Dickinson, ND. He grew up on a farm near Werner, ND. He graduated from Halliday High School, where he was a starter on the basketball team. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for two years as a military police officer. Grant attended college in Dickinson, ND and Fargo, ND majoring in Psychology, where he was also a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. He married his high school sweetheart, Julie Ann Bosch in 1969 and they were blessed with three children, Rebecca, John, and Tricia. They lived in Fargo, where Grant worked as a letter carrier for the US Post Office and enjoyed the “snow-bird” life traveling between Fargo and Casa Grande, Arizona, in retirement. Grant and Julie had 60 wonderful years together, married 52. Grant would always joke that Julie chased him for 8 years and then one day he tripped, fell, and they were married. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on a Rhine-Mosel River Cruise.
Grant was passionate about so many things in life. He was a devoted husband and father. He was also thought of as a second father by many. He loved all children and dogs. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, camping, and playing pinochle. He was an avid Bison and Packers football fan. Grant never met a stranger and was a fierce friend. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need. Everyone who was blessed to know Grant will remember the twinkle in his eye and his ability to tell a story. He loved to travel, mostly with a camper. He loved collecting unusual objects from the places he visited that would spark many of his stories, especially his rattlesnake, wolf pelt, and his gold dipped rat. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family.
He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Julie, his daughter Rebecca (Kevin), daughter Tricia (Alex), granddaughters Morrigan, and Ciara, and grandson Riley, brother Gordon (Karen), and twin brother Gregg (Sherry).
He was preceded in death by his son John, and parents Herb and Nila Hoffner.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Operation Gratitude on behalf of Grant. Donations can be made online at https://www.operationgratitude.com/donate/ or sent by mail to Operation Gratitude, PO Box 260257, Encino, CA 91426-0257.
A private service will be held at Nativity Catholic Church on Thursday, March 11th at 1pm. Live streaming of the service and a guestbook will be available at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com.
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Julie—I am so sorry to read about Grant’s death. Thoughts and prayers go your way.
We have known the Hoffner’s since the early 70s and were shocked to hear of Grant’s passing. Our prayers go out to Julie and family. Grant will be missed by many besides his family.
Julie, we are so sorry to hear about Grant. He was so much fun when we were neighbors back in the day. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and Becky.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My husband Bill and Grant worked together at the Post Office and I remember visiting with him at the summer picnics for several years. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Julie, Lori and I are so sorry to hear off Grants passing. You and your family are in our prayers.
Julie and family…..
So sad and sorry to see the news about Grant’s passing.
Hugs and prayers for peace and strength in coming days to you all.
Julie, I’m so sorry to read of Grant’s passing. I remember him from Post Office picnics. He and my dad seemed to have quite the connection! My condolences to you and your family.
Although it’s been many years since I saw Julie or Grant, I was very disheartened to read that Grant passed away. I was a friend of their son John, and there still isn’t a day that goes by, that I don’t think about him. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. 🙏🏻
This photograph of our dear friend Grant speaks volumes to all who knew him. So much to love and recall from times together. The “Storyteller” has gone ahead, and we both treasure the opportunity to have known his friendship and spirit. He found the way to smile and make others smile, through thick and thin. Together, Julie and Grant were a team of vitality and resilience and their beautiful, loving family will continue in our hearts forever… Virginia and Al
What a wonderful man, husband and father!
Our condolences
I am so sorry to hear about Grant. Grant was our mailman when we lived behind Rheault Farms. I always so enjoyed our visits. He gave the kids tootsie rolls and I gave him fresh caught walleye. That was over 25 years ago and I have never forgotten him. His smile, his kindness and his gentle spirit have always stuck with me. We all should feel so lucky to have a Grant in our lives. I work in the Moorhead School District and I would hear of Julie Hoffner from fellow Fargo South teachers and I would always say “Well have you met Grant? Nicest guy I’ve ever known”
I’m SO sorry to hear about Grant. Even though I haven’t seen you two in such a long time, I thought Of the times often we had together. Always loved to come over to your house in Fargo. Remember Matt and Grant going spear fishing!! Grant was such a great person. Awesome guy to work with at the PO. Prayers to you Julie and family.
So sorry to hear about Grant, Julie. My condolences to your family!
My deepest sympathy and prayers for you and your family on your loss. I know of the sorrow you are experiencing and how painful it is. May Grant Rest In Peace.🙏
Truly sorry to hear of Grant’s death. He entertained North Jr. High and spouses at many gatherings.
Julie, Tricia, Rebecca and family, I’ve been thinking of you a lot this week and I am so, deeply sorry for your loss. Grant had such a fun, loving and gregarious spirit. I remember that warm twinkle in his eye, his stories and the fact the he always had ample spare change for us to get ice cream. I remember that rattlesnake too…. he told me that he had found it in his boot and that it might bite if I touched its teeth!
Grant’s light shone so brightly. I know his memory will endure in the many, many people who’s lives he touched in his time on Earth.
I am so sad to here this news of Grant’s passing. I had the honor of knowing Julie as my teacher and Grant and Julie as there Schwans Man. Your love for each other and family and friends is priceless. Love and my prayers forever Greg Akason
So very sorry Julie….hugs and prayers to you and your family
Julie and family,
Extending sincere sympathy in the loss of your husband, Grant. So sorry to hear the news.
Joyce Schepp
We met Grant and Julie here in Casa Grande playing pinochle. He will be missed by all. Thoughts and prayers for all the family.
A twinkle in his eye while he told a story………Followed by a chuckle! Grant will be missed by so many. He was a blessing in our lives.
Julie we were saddened to hear about Grants death. So glad you had so many great years together. Will remember your family in Prayer.
Dear Julie, Becky and Tricia and families,
It is with sadness we read about Grant’s passing. We are glad you have had such a long lifetime together and were able to share some good retirement time as well. Our lives are so similar to your journey together so appreciate the void you will feel. Remembering soccer days and many Moorhead School faculty meetings with you Julie. We send our hugs and prayers. John and Joann (Jo) Lawrence
Julie and Becky, I am so sorry for your loss. I have such good memories of your family from my Carl Ben days. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Julie, I am sadden to hear of Grant’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
So sorry to hear of your loss Greg & Sherry. Our prayers for you and his entire family. ❤️ Roger & Eileen
This is for my family, the Hoffner’s
Grant was my best of friends and we both told each other every time we said goodbye that we loved each other. Now I’m especially glad for there is sometimes no tomorrow. And we both knew that and would claim to each other “never know about tomorrow “. Maybe that’s why we always spent quality times together and I benefited from some of the best times of my life.
My first hunt with Grant and family was best weekend of my life, 23 pheasant in 3days, ice-out Northern fishing with Windsor and Phillip Morris, turkey hunting-shooting to be honest, beaver for my “man cave”, 100# halibut, two totaled trucks, blizzard, and many more!
More than that, Grant helped me through several very tough times and I was an ear for for his grief. That’s what friends are for.
RIP my friend until we meet again,
love lasts forever,
Wade
We are so sorry to hear of Grant’s passing. It has been a number of years since we have seen you but remember Grant’s laugh and joy. So glad you were able to celebrate your 50th on the Rhine. Those will be memories never forgotten. My God surround you Julie with his comfort and peace. I think of Isaiah 61:3, may you have the oil of joy in your mourning. We send our love and prayers. Blessings Rick and Elaine
Jim and Julie Thom,
Julie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You spoke of Grant often as we worked together as faculty. Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to you and your loved ones.
so sorry for your loss Julie
I worked with Grant at the post office for 30 years. He was a great human and coworker. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Our sympathy and prayers. Remember that the love Grant held in his heart for you is not lost.
Julie, Tricia and family, we were so sad to hear of Grant’s death. I remember every time I met him how happy and fun loving he always seemed. He was always so supportive of Tricia and her friends too. He will be missed for sure. I pray your memories of him bring you some comfort.
Julie and family- Our memories go back 40+ years. We have had many fun times over the years. Graaaaant! (Julie you know what that means!) We are so sorry for your loss and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Jerry and Terry Peterson
We are so sorry to hear of Grant’s passing. We hope you find comfort in knowing how many people care. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Sending deepest sympathies, thoughts snd prayers to Julie and family and friends.. I have known Grant since I was a little girl – he and Julie friends with my Uncle Bill and Aunt Betty. Grant defined friend in every way. He and Bill always stopped by on their way back from their annual hunting trips. While in college in Fargo I had his number written down knowing if I needed help and Bill not available he was the back up. He will be greatly missed – he loved his family unconditionally. Blessed to have known him -he lived and loved life to it’s fullest.
Wayne and I are so sorry to hear of Grant’s passing. May you find great joy in your many memories.
Mary Ann Straley
Our sympathy to you all. So sorry for your loss.
I’m thankful to have memories of Grant throughout my whole life- what fun, love, and friendship he brought to our family. He was like an honorary father! Grant was a one-of-a kind person, full of life, and we will all miss his spirit and presence in this world and in our lives. I am deeply sorry for your loss, Julie, Becky, and Trish. I send my love and prayers of comfort to you and your family.
Dear Julie and family, You have our deepest sympathy. We were saddened to hear of Grant’s passing. He was so loved and will be so missed. Our love and hugs to you and yours at this time.