John W. Hoffman, 61, of Brainerd, Minn., died Sunday, July 22, 2012, in Blooming Prairie, Minn.

John was born Aug. 21, 1950, in Austin, Minn., to Wilford “Bud” and Harriet (Small) Hoffman. He was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church. John graduated from Austin High School in 1968 and continued his education at Canby Technical College in Canby, Minn., earning a degree in graphic arts and sales. John’s achievements included 1985 Salesman of the Year for KSNT-TV, NBC station in Topeka, Kan. John married Becky Goodman in 1987 and they moved to Aurora, Colo.

John started working for the Denver Post Bulletin in advertising and sales. John was ranked the number one salesman for the Denver area. He decided to follow his dreams and became a fishing tour guide. After about a year John moved back to Minnesota to co-own and operate Gull View Resort until Becky passed away in 1997. A few years later John sold the Resort. John married Carolyn Kaneski in September 2000. He was very outgoing and he had many friends. He loved to laugh and lived life to the fullest. John enjoyed classic cars, motorcycling, archery and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He was also a proud member of the Patriot Guards.

John is survived by his wife, Carolyn; mother, Harriet Hoffman of Rochester, Minn., formerly of Austin; sister, Jean (Kerry) Olson of Stewartville, Minn.; niece, Abby Buck of Stewartville; and long time family friend John”Smokey”Bauer of Austin. John never had children of his own, but enjoyed having step-children and step-grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his late wife, his father, aunts and uncles.

Services for John will be held this Saturday, July 28, 2012, at 2 p.m. at Park United Methodist Church, 315 N. Sixth St., Brainerd, MN 56401, with Pastor Brenda King officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Lunch will follow the service at the church.