MELVIN HOFFMAN, age 90, of Luverne, was welcomed into heaven on Thursday, November 13, 2025. He was born on May 30, 1935, in a country home near Fulda, Minnesota. Mel was the son of Alfred and Emma (Hartman) Hoffman. He attended grade school in Currie and graduated from Slayton High School in 1953. After graduation, Mel began driving gravel trucks for Muecke Bros Sand & Gravel and worked alongside his father at the family's gas station in Slayton. His mechanical talents and love for engines deepened during his time at Dillon's Alinement, where he discovered a lifelong passion for cars and all things motorized.

In 1956, Mel married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Hagen, at Faith Lutheran Church in Avoca—a partnership that would span nearly seven decades. In 1964, they made their home in Luverne, where Mel founded Mel's Alinement, a business built on skill, honesty, and hard work. His enthusiasm for outdoor motor sports led him to expand into snowmobile sales, becoming a trusted local dealer for Rupp, Sno-Jet, Ski-Doo, and Arctic Cat.

After retiring in 1998, Mel cherished time with family at their summer home on Lake Shetek. He was a four-time champion of the beloved Hoffman Croquet Tournament and shared his love of snowmobiling and vehicle restoration with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mel is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Sharon; their children, Steve (Terri) Hoffman of Sioux Falls, SD; Randy (Joni) Hoffman of Brandon, SD; David (Sherri) Hoffman of Sioux Falls, SD; Terry Hoffman of Luverne, MN; and Paula (Bill) Plant of Holyoke, MN; seventeen grandchildren; and twenty two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Ester Hoffman (2000); infant son Daniel (1964) and son Timothy (1968); infant grandson Daniel (1988); and sisters Iris Groninga (1999) and Ines Johnson (2006).

Mel and Sharon were blessed to be able to share the last five years together at home under the loving care of their son, Terry.

A private family service will take place at a later date with the Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne.