JEROME PAUL HOFF, age 74, of Princeton, Minn., died Thursday, July 12, 2012, from complications of esophageal cancer.

Jerry was born in 1938 to Fred and Laila Hoff, the seventh of eight children. He learned the value of hard work on a series of farms before graduating from Sacred Heart High School in 1956 and Luther College in 1960. He met his life’s love, MARY (PEARSON) HOFF ‘62, at Luther and they were wed in 1962. After teaching in Marshall, he and Mary moved to Princeton in 1966 where they raised their sons, Brad and Bryan, and he served as a principal until 1994. His signature professional accomplishment was convincing the school board to move from a junior high to a middle school format, which he thought gave students a better education.

Throughout his life, Jerry practiced servant leadership. He loved to dance, fish and build, along with spending time with family and the garage gang. Jerry accepted his death in clear-eyed fashion buoyed by a strong Christian faith. His passing leaves a large hole in the family, which even he won’t be able to repair.

A memorial service was held July 27, 2012, at Trinity Lutheran Church of Princeton.

To honor Jerry’s dedication to the Lions Club and Trinity Lutheran Church the family asks that memorials be given to either the Lions Club or TLC-Crossing Fund.