Obituaries
Donald "Spitz" Hoffmann
Sept. 19, 1931 - Aug. 14, 2026 - Chilton, WI
Funeral Service
Friday, Aug. 21, 2026
12:00 pm
1724 Madison St.
New Holstein, WI 53061
Funeral Visitation
Friday, Aug. 21, 2026
10:00 am - 11:45 am
1724 Madison St.
New Holstein, WI 53061
Burial Service
Friday, Aug. 21, 2026
3:00 pm
North Madison St.
Chilton, WI 53014
Donald "Spitz" Hoffmann
Chilton WI
Donald “Spitz” Hoffmann, age 94, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, August 14th. He is now reunited in eternal life with our mom, his parents, and all of his siblings.
Born on September 19th, 1931, Don was the first of five children born to Joseph and Hilda (Franzen) Hoffmann at their home on Madison Street in Chilton—no longer there, but just north of where the theater stands today. His family moved throughout Chilton during his childhood, and Don attended Chilton Catholic Grade School before graduating from Chilton High School in 1949. One of his classmates, John Mortimer, was Don’s best friend since kindergarten. The two were inseparable and remained in touch throughout their lives. In high school, Don played football and boxed, served as both President and Vice President of the student council, was crowned king of the Senior Ball court, and participated in many other activities.
And then there’s the nickname—“Spitz.” Don only remembered his dad telling him that “the Flemming boys across the street” gave him the name before he even started grade school. No one knows why they chose it, so that mystery will remain unsolved. But it stuck so well that even the nuns used it. Over the years, people likely wondered whether his real name was Don or Spitz!!
After graduation, Don enlisted in the United States Air Force. He completed basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, then moved to Chanute AFB in Rantoul, IL for instrument panel training. He spent the remainder of his service at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, AK, working on C54 transport planes. He was honorably discharged on December 22nd, 1952—quite a Christmas gift for his family.
Returning to Chilton, Don explored a few different jobs, including a stint at watchmaking school in Elgin, IL, which he quickly abandoned because he said, “my fingers were too big.” In February 1958, he joined Chilton Metal Products, where he established the Quality Department and served as Quality Control Manager for 40 years. He retired in February 1998, well liked and well respected for his fairness and integrity.
On August 3rd, 1968, Don married Jeanette Geiger, instantly becoming a father to her six children after her first husband’s sudden passing in 1963. Don embraced the children as his own, and together he and Jeanette welcomed one son. They built a home on Breed Street before moving in 1971 to the countryside on Highway 57 between Chilton and New Holstein. Don and Jeanette shared 53 years of marriage before her passing on April 3rd, 2022.
A true “social bug,” Don spent years bowling, playing cards, shooting pool, and rolling dice—especially his favorite game, Ship, Captain, Crew. He loved to fish, whether on Lake Winnebago, Lake Michigan, the Flambeau Flowage, or in Canada, and was a member of the Jolly Fishing Club for 28 years. After retirement, he added deer hunting to his list of hobbies. He tended two large gardens, enjoyed cigars (and pipes in earlier years), kept a stash of Kit Kats in the shed fridge, adored ANY cookie he could get his hands on, and was famous for his oneliners—all appropriate and deserving of their own paragraph.
Don’s greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren. They gave him purpose. He treasured their visits, calls, birthdays, weddings, and graduations. He and Jeanette traveled across the state to watch their activities; he wasn’t going to miss a thing. During their retirement, they babysat often, and in recent years Don reminisced frequently about those days. His compassion, humor, patience, and love made those moments unforgettable—for them and for him. Those same qualities drew people to him throughout his life, creating friendships that lasted decades.
Don is survived by his children: Bob (Nicole) Hoffmann, Sharon (Joe) Heimann, Judy (Wayne) Schimmer, Nancy (Pat) McCulley, Sandy Geiger, Cindy Mangan (Jeff Verhagen), and Doug (Kate) Geiger; 14 grandchildren—Isaac, Olivia, Evan; Melissa, Michelle, Brian, William; Jennifer; Ryan, Molly; Paula, Trevor; Allison, Dustin; 22 greatgrandchildren; and 5 greatgreatgrandchildren. He is also survived by inlaws Jan Hoffmann, Micki Hoffmann, James Reinkober, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Jeanette; his parents Joseph and Hilda Hoffmann; siblings Marian (Marvin) Lefeber, Helen Reinkober, Peter Hoffmann, and Michael Hoffmann; father and motherinlaw Joseph and Veronica Krause; inlaws VanDella (Leland) Goeke and Audrey (Ralph) Kratz; nephew Doug Lefeber; greatniece Mollie Brittnacher; and daughter Sandy’s fiancé Roger Quirk.
Since July 30th, 2021, Don resided at Brillion West Haven so he could be with Jeanette as she navigated dementia. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff for their care, compassion, and support, and to the residents whose friendship meant so much to him. He enjoyed your company every day—and undoubtedly kept you on your toes!!
Thank you to Don’s friends, former coworkers, physical rehab professionals, our family friends, and the families of other West Haven residents for your visits and kindness.
We hope reading this brought back a memory, sparked a smile, or even made you laugh. That’s exactly what Don would have wanted. Rest in peace, Dad, Grandpa, and friend. You set an example we will carry with us forever.
Funeral services will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in New Holstein on Friday, August 21. Visitation will be from 10:00–11:45 a.m., with Mass at noon and military honors to follow. An online link will be available for those unable to attend in person. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Chilton.
Condolences
Sorry for your loss. I was one of his AIDs when he was on our services. Such a wonderful man always had a joke or comment of me goinoff to Aruba and wanting Cuban cigars.
Michael Miron (Heartland Hospice ) 2026-08-23 19:09:42
Don was my quality manager for a few years when I was an inspector at Chilton Products. He was a nice guy, always willing to listen and talk. Very professional. Away from work he lived close to my parents and I would see him often in the Spring in the woods when my dad was collecting maple tree sap. He was just as nice away from work as he was on the job. Rest in Peace, Don.
JAMES PETHAN (coworker) 2026-08-22 07:55:43
Bob, Nicole, Isaac, Olivia, Evan, & Family, Our condolences as you navigate the loss of such an instrumental figure in your family. We are thinking of you all and sending love. Tanner & Lexi
Tanner & Lexi Kattre (Friend of Family) 2026-08-21 10:12:59
Bob and Nichole and Family, I only met Don a few times in the passing years. I’ll remember him as gentleman and engaging man. Bob, l could tell about the way you talked about him, the great respect you had for him. After reading the obituary l realize why. He lived life to the fullest. Our deepest sympathy to you, your family and everyone’s life he touched. Sincerely Tom and Lynda
Tom Leick (Friend of Family ) 2026-08-21 08:54:36
Sending hugs and prayers during this sad time. Sorry for your loss
John and Denise Hinz (friend) 2026-08-20 13:58:34
I remember as a young person my parents, Clyde (Mac) and Alice spending time playing cards with Spitz at our kitchen table, and fishing, and bowling stories were spun for hours! I have a picture of the Chilton Plating Co. + members of the bowling team from the 1965 American Bowling Congress Championships in St. Paul, MN. I am pretty sure he was on the team. I may be wrong, I don't recognize them now, but I do know most of the bowlers were from Chilton Metal Products. I know my family will be waiting in the long line to greet him in his next journey. Please remember the great times. Enjoy life and keep the gardens of memories. My condolences to family and friends.
Sharon McNeely (Long ago family knew him) 2026-08-19 09:32:25
Last of the Kellner Western Industry Chilton crew. So much talent by a group of dedicated young men. Spitz, Steiner, Stroobants, Daun, Fuchs, Flack, Schwalenberg, Mueller, Woelfel, my Dad Harry and so so many others that created a legacy from the beginning of Chilton Metal Products. Thanks for the dedication! Prost!
Joe Hertel (Family friend) 2026-08-18 20:57:42
I was so sorry to hear about Spitz. My heart goes out to his entire family. I’m pretty sure my dad, Joey, was one of many waiting to welcome an old friend. I like to think Dad and Spitz have already found each other—the dice are rolling, the stories and laughter have picked up right where they left off, and I am sure the Jolly Fishermen-both Club members for many years together-are getting ready to hit the best fishing spots. What wonderful memories these lifelong friendships have left for all of us. Rest in peace, Spitz. Tell Dad we miss him!
Shelly (Schomisch) Tyson (Lifelong friend of my dad and family) 2026-08-18 19:50:15
My deepest sympathy to his family. Was my supervisor at Chilton Metal. Great to work for.
Luann Brandes (Friend ) 2026-08-18 17:59:08
Thoughts and prayers going out to his family and friends! Met Don when our Mom was at West Haven. He was truly a great guy and will be greatly missed by everyone.RIP Don!
JanAnhalt (friend) 2026-08-18 17:02:34
My condolences to your family. I will cherish the dice games I got to be apart of at Quinney and all his jokes.
Lisa (Broeckel) Manz (Bartender @ Quinney) 2026-08-18 08:55:04
My deepest sympathy to Don's family. I did not know Don, but a very beautifully written obituary. He sounded like a wonderful man...hoping your many treasured memories of him will help you through this challenging time.
Mary Kay Hein (Friend of Sharon & Judy) 2026-08-17 17:44:09
To Bob, Nicole and extended family. Sorry to hear of your Dads passing. Remember him fondly back in the day when we played sports back in HS, really great guy. Sharon and I saw him and your Mom at Marytown tap a few years back and we had a nice talk and he still remembered us. May God bless Don and the ones he left behind
Bob Broeckel (Friend ) 2026-08-17 17:12:35
Super Great Man Always waiting for His Tbone Noon Dinner. We will really miss him
Norman A Krahn (Table Mate at West Haven 3 Months ) 2026-08-17 16:35:04
Sorry to hear about Dons passing. From what I heard he was a great father and grandfather, I am sure Jeanette and him are now happy and counting all their blessings. God Bless
Nick and Kathie Kesler (Friends to Sharon) 2026-08-17 13:18:43
Don was a great man. Worked with him years at Chilton Products as one of his inspectors. He always had a hi and how are you! Always had a smile. Very nice and great man to work for. Rest in peace Don
karen pingel swonger (co-worker) 2026-08-17 11:37:42
Beautiful Obituary. Worked in the office at Chilton Metal in the early sixties and Don was exactly as you described him. Very kind and helpful. May he rest in peace.
Janice Muellers Casper (Co-worker) 2026-08-17 11:27:09
Don RIP We will miss our monthly visits Be sure to enjoy all your favorite cookies and cigars
Mike H and Rich L (Co Workers and Friends) 2026-08-17 11:20:30
Uncle Don. I loved when you came to visit me when I owned the bar in Hilbert. I greatly enjoyed our conversations and you dry sense of humor. My deepest condolences to the family. Uncle Don you will be missed ???? ????
Karen Geiger (Niece ) 2026-08-17 11:07:58
Cindy and family-my sympathy on the loss of Don. He and your Mom made a great pair! He will be remembered for his love and kindness to everyone he encountered. Rest in Prace!
Sue Kees (Friend ) 2026-08-17 10:36:24
Truly a wonderful boss! His sweet smile, a humorous comment, always a friendly hello. We, Ray Mueller & I, visited Don just before we both retired. Don's mind still sharp. We reminisced. He had a positive impact and will be remembered fondly by all whom had the good pleasure of knowing him.
CAROLE S MARTINCO (Coworker) 2026-08-17 09:37:28
Cindy and family, I am so deeply sorry for your loss
Sue Zinkel (Classmate of Cindy) 2026-08-17 09:23:28
Sorry to hear of Don's passing. I appreciated the wonderful obit and "yes" did bring back many many memories. I was in purchasing and eventual purchasing manager and always counted on and appreciated Don's input. And yes, many memories of diners out with sales associates as well as a few fishing outings on Lake Michigan. He was a wonderful co-worker to be associated with and I am sure will be missed!! Ray Mueller
Raymond Mueller (co-worker) 2026-08-17 08:51:46
Don was, to me, Westhaven's ambassador. Whenever I would go to visit my mother, I could almost always count on seeing Don sitting outside in his shorts - no matter what the weather was- working on his crossword puzzles and soaking up the sunshine. He would always greet me with a hello, a smile, and usually a funny comment that would put a smile on my face. My heartfelt condolences to his family and all who loved him.
Susan Woelfel (Friend) 2026-08-17 08:49:40
We’ll miss you until we meet again Dad, I’d like to tell you to stay out of mischief up there, but I know you won’t listen! Give Mom a giant hug and kisses from all of us and rest in peace Dad!
Judy Schimmer (Daughter ) 2026-08-17 08:49:37
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