Jeffrey Lee Hoffman “Maarraaq” was born on May 22, 1971 to Nastasia Nick and Robert Hoffman. Jeff was born in Bethel and raised in Nunapitchuk with his late maternal grandparents Nick Upay’aq and Elena Nick. His grandma was his constant caregiver, teaching him life skills and values. Growing up he loved spending time at the Nick O’ Nick fishcamp with the Chase and Nicholai families, and visiting all of his Hoffman relatives in Bethel.
Jeff was a competitive wrestler and began his highly decorated wrestling career with the Nunapitchuk Wolves. He spent many summers commercial fishing on the Kuskokwim with his cousin Nick. He graduated from Mt. Edgecumbe High School in 1989, then attended the Alaska Pacific University. There he continued to compete with the wrestling program. After attending college he started a long career in the construction and oil industry. For decades, Jeff worked on the North Slope and was highly respected by his co- workers.
Over the years, Jeff had many fur babies that he loved very much. Caring for and being with his dogs was his priority. Jeff was a provider and enjoyed subsistence hunting and fishing. He loved to moose hunt and would go around the YK Delta to hunt with friends and family. His well-known mantra was “two hunters, two moose” and no matter how exhausted he was he wouldn’t stop searching until they would get that second moose.
He was a proud uncle and loved spoiling and spending time with his nieces and nephews. He was known for being a meticulous cook, a dedicated Dallas Cowboys fan and a world traveler with an adventurous spirit. Jeff was always cheerful and happy to socialize. His kind nature and his unrelenting generosity gained him friendships everywhere he went.
No friendship was greater than his love for Verla and they shared a lifetime of adventures with one another: traveling, camping, fishing and making their home together.
Jeff is survived by his long time partner Verla Mojin, and fur baby Cooper. He is survived by his father Robert and step mother Jesslyn Hoffman, brothers Scott and Andy Hoffman. He is survived by his mother Nastasia Nick, sister Nikki Corbett and brother Christian Osentoski and their father Dan Osentoski who provided steady compassion to Jeff throughout his life. He is survived by nephews Dalen, Kaden, Jeremiah, Matthew, James, Orson; and nieces Kelsie, Maegen, Kyla, Sydney.
He is also survived by his uncles Robert Nick, Trim Nick, Stanley Hoffman, Greg Hoffman; his aunts Marie Meade, Barbara Liu, Susan Hoffman, Anita Geerdts, Sally Charles, Rachelle Jim and Shannon Hoffman. He is survived by his many cousins and extended family and friends from all across the state.
He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Nick O. and Elena Nick, paternal grandparents Eddie and Bessie Hoffman, sisters Elizabeth “Ti-Ti” and Jamie Hoffman, Jacqueline Osentoski, brothers James Ned Hoffman and James F. Kinegak, uncles Sonny Hoffman, Richard Hoffman, Michael Nick, Nick O. Nick Jr., aunts Margaret Cooke, June Hoffman, Clarisse Hoffman, twins Gloria and June Hoffman, Irene Hoffman; cousins Nick Cooke, Justin Nick, Gookie Hoffman, and Heidi Hoffman. He is also preceded in death by his fur babies Guinness, Pixie, and Samson.
Thank you to all who contributed food, brought flowers, provided financial support, hosted relatives, gathered together to share memories and photos. Quyana cakneq to Frank Nicholai for making the cross, Roy Charles for making the casket cover, Shannon Hoffman for the generosity, and Ted Kruger for the large financial gift. Also to Nunapitchuk Limited, Nunapitchuk IRA, City of Nunapitchuk, BNC, ONC and Calista for the monetary donations to assist with burial expenses. All of the prayers and outreach from friends and family have brought tremendous comfort. Quyana tamarpeci.
