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In Memory of Pastor Malcolm Hoffman

March 28, 1928 - September 2, 2024

Malcolm Emil Hoffman was born in the family farmhouse in Maxwell, Texas on March 28, 1928, to Ella (Hummel) and Oscar Emil Hoffman. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family members on September 2, 2024 in Marlton, New Jersey.


He was preceded in death by his parents, Ella and Oscar Emil Hoffman, his son, John Hoffman, and wife, JoAnn Spenrath Hoffman.


Malcolm is survived by his 2nd wife, Marge Jarvis Hoffman; sister, Joyce Boggan Hagedorn; children, Grace Mueller (John), Paul Hoffman(Jennifer), Jim Hoffman (Li); daughter in law, Madeline Hoffman.


He is also survived by his grandchildren; Chris Mueller(Karly); Jennifer Mueller; Alex Hoffman; Jason Hoffman; Hannah Hoffman; and Lizzy Womack-Hoffman (Reed). Malcolm also had two beloved great grandchildren, Mollie and Annabelle Mueller. He also is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.


Malcolm also fell in love with his bonus Jarvis family: children; Don Jarvis (Jeanette); Janet Ambrose (Jim); Mark Jarvis (Ardra); grandchildren: Rick Jarvis (Amber),Jeff Jarvis, Will Jarvis, Matthew Jarvis, Michael Jarvis, Josh Ambrose, Jeremy Ambrose, Kyra Jarvis, Marissa Jarvis, Josiah Jarvis, Tabitha Jarvis, Jeremiah Jarvis, Micaiah Jarvis; great grandchildren: Chase Jarvis, Logan Jarvis, Elias Jarvis, Lauralei Jarvis, Dylan Jarvis, Jackson Jarvis, Emmett Jarvis. Malcolm graduated from Lockhart High School and Texas Lutheran College. He was then called into ministry and attended Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary in Columbus, Ohio completing his master’s in divinity.


In later years he did residency in Clinical Pastoral Education, becoming a

Board Certified Chaplain.


During his internship at Highland Park Lutheran Church in San Antonio, he met JoAnn Spenrath. They fell in love and got married on June 16, 1952. Malcolm was ordained on June 20, 1954, at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Maxwell, Texas. He had also been baptized and confirmed there. His calling to serve God as a pastor started in Wilson, Texas at St. John Lutheran Church. He then became pastor at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepard in San Antonio. His third church calling was Christ the King Lutheran Church in Kenner (suburb of New Orleans), Louisiana. At this time, he had a family of 6. The culture of New Orleans was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Malcolm was then called back to San Antonio to Zion Lutheran Church on Cincinnati St. It was here that he realized his gift of listening and counseling which led him to become a chaplain. He served as the chaplain of pastoral care at a brand new hospital, St. Luke’s Lutheran Hospital in San Antonio. Malcolm later served as the Director of Chaplaincy Services for Lutheran Social Services of the South.


After retirement, he and JoAnn sold their home and did full time “RVing” for several years. They then settled in Seguin. JoAnn succumbed to cancer that she battled for many years. Malcolm was a charter member of Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church. He took much joy in helping build this ministry. He was also a member of the Retired Pastors Breakfast Club, the Whataburger Breakfast Club, and the Saturday Su Casa Breakfast Club. He continued to serve the South West Texas Synod in many roles.


In 2010 Malcolm was blessed with the love of Marge Jarvis. He was smitten! They married on May 12, 2018, and had an extraordinarily close relationship for 6 beautiful years. They had adventures that spanned from Alaska to Texas. Their days were filled with devotions, discussions, family, and just holding each other’s hands.


Malcolm’s gentle nature and wisdom, infectious smile, and uncanny humor will cause many to shed a tear with a smile from a memory of him for years to come.


Malcolm’s celebration of life will be held on September 21 at 10:30 am at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, 416 Dolle Street, Seguin, Texas, with a light lunch to follow. Colorful attire to help celebrate a colorful man is welcome. Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is green or rainbow.


In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.


We remember Pastor Malcolm's family and friends in our prayers and trust that the promise of the Resurrection is true and sure. 


In Christ,


Bishop Sue Briner