Daniel J. Hoffman

Daniel J. 'Dan' Hoffman, age 102, of Hays, Kansas passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 11, 2025, surrounded by his family at Eaglecrest Assisted Living - Salina.

Dan was born to Mike Sr and Clara Hoffman on March 26, 1923, at home in rural Emmeran, Kansas, as the eighth child in the family. Dan would end up being one of 16 children. He attended a two-room rural school, worked on the family farm, and then in the Bemis oil fields, beginning as a roustabout, establishing his incredible work ethic at an early age.

At the age of 20, Dan was called to duty and became a sailor in the US Navy during World War II. After the war, he continued working for Cities Service Oil Company which later became CITGO. He finished a 40-year career as a manager in oil and gas, retiring in 1986.

On April 11, 1950, Dan married the love of his life, Anna Margaret Pfeifer. The couple established their first home in Victoria, Kansas, where they lived for 31 years, and raised two daughters, Cynthia (Cindy) and Sandra (Sandy). In 1981, they built a house in Hays, Kansas which was home until Dan's move to Eaglecrest Retirement Community in Salina in 2022.

Dan filled his retirement years with volunteer work at St Joseph Catholic Church and the Hays Senior Center, tending to his home, yard and garden, and participating in VFW and Knights of Columbus activities. He also was a long-time member of the VFW Honor Guard. In addition to yard work and gardening, his pastimes over the years included fishing, bowling, and golf. He was also an avid fan of both the Royals and Chiefs, rarely missing a game on TV, until his passing.

Those who knew Dan well would list his work ethic, generosity, and strong faith as his greatest attributes.

Dan is survived by his daughters, Cindy Compagnone (Nick) of Salina, Kansas, and Sandy McRae (Steve) of Rose Hill, Kansas, six grandchildren, Craig Compagnone (Dana), Chris Compagnone (Jessica), Breanna Hottovy (Tim), Jared McRae (Whitney), Catrina Sanders (Calvin), and Curt Compagnone (Janelle), and 13 - beloved great grandchildren - Jordan, Avery, Wyatt, Isabella, Sophia, Landon, Cash, Emmitt, Ellis, Lily, Emery, Easton, and Arlie. Also surviving are two sisters, Maggie Dreiling and Rita Friess, and two sisters-in-law, Judy Hoffman and Eloise Pfeifer. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, his parents, and 13 siblings - Clementine Dinkel, Mary Hoffman, Fred Dinkel, Helen Kreutzer, Mike Hoffman Jr, Victor Hoffman, Joe Hoffman, Aggie Geier, Frank Hoffman, Steve Hoffman, Bob Hoffman, Betty Flax, and Tony Hoffman.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, December 17 2025, at 1 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 215 West 13th Street Hays, Kansas 67601, interment with Military Honors by the Hays VFW Honor Guard will follow the mass in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery - Hays. Viewing and Visitation will be Tuesday, December 16 2025, from 5 PM to 7 PM with a combined parish vigil service beginning at 7 PM and on Wednesday from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM all at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601.

Dan's family would like to thank the Eaglecrest Assisted Living staff and Gentiva Hospice staff for their loving care. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to either of these two entities in care of the funeral chapel.

Services in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601. Memories and words of comfort can be shared with Dan's family on his tribute page via: www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com