Ronald “Curly” Hoffmann, 69, of Waterloo, died Dec. 11, 2023, in St. Louis. He was born Dec. 10, 1954, in Red Bud.

In 1978, Curly began working for the Illinois Department of Transportation Highway Maintenance. He worked with the Hecker and Columbia maintenance crews. After many years as the highway lead worker, Curly retired in 2004.

Curly enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and finding a good Kloepper game. Gathered with family and friends, there were always stories to be told. Because of his wittiness and outgoing personality, he never met a stranger. Grandpa Hoffmann was always giving the grandkids “Ranger rides” until they could drive themselves.

Curly fought his battle against pancreatic cancer for four short months. During this time, he never lost his sense of humor. He quickly made friends with the nurses and staff. He had a great ability to make others smile and his sense of humor will be missed greatly.

We love you so much. See ya after while crocodile.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Joy (nee Osterhage); children Sarah (Karl) Krebel and Brian (Tara) Hoffmann; grandchildren Klair and Samuel Krebel and Brennen and Avery Hoffmann; brothers Gene (Diane) Hoffmann and Bob (Marilyn) Hoffmann; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Linda (Charles) Wallace, Randy (Lisa) Osterhage and Scott (Lorrie) Osterhage; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Norman and Doreen (nee Weber) Hoffmann, father-in-law and mother-in-law Earl and Nadine (nee Loewe) Osterhage and sister-in-law Sandy Osterhage.

Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Dec. 14 and 9-10 a.m. Dec. 15 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo.

A funeral service will follow visitation Dec. 15 at the funeral home with Pastor Patrick Poole officiating.

Interment will be at Kolmer Memorial Cemetery in Waterloo.

As an expression of sympathy the family prefers memorial contributions to: House of Neighborly Service; or Pancreatic Cancer Research.