Stephen Eurel Hoffman passed away at 2:20 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana after living with pancreatic cancer.
Services will be held at Trinity Community Fellowship (TCF) in Farmer City. An Open House celebration of Steve’s life will be on Thursday, February 26 from 5-7 PM. The funeral will be on Friday, February 27 at 10 AM with Pastor Dave Jassman officiating. Burial will follow in Greenleaf Cemetery, Farmer City. Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home of Farmer City, is assisting the family with arrangements.
He is survived by his wife Nancy Hoffman of Farmer City, two daughters Danielle (Paul) Huston, of Peoria, and Rebekah Hoffman (Adam Ries) of Bloomington, 4 beloved grandchildren, Mya, Ian and Kyle Huston of Peoria and Miles Ries of Bloomington. His grandchildren called him Papa, and agreed that he was the best husband, dad, and Papa around! Also surviving are his brother David Hoffman of Peoria, sisters Cheryl (Ted) Ramirez of Streamwood, and Fianna (Vince) Ross of Springfield. Steve is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who he loved very much.
Steve was born April 13, 1961, to Marion Eurel and Anna Lou (Wyatt) Hoffman Jr. in Springfield, Illinois. Both precede him in death. Steve married Nancy Morgan on August 18, 1984, in Fairmont, IL.
Steve spent his life working in communications. He was currently working at Allerton Park and Retreat Center in Monticello and LOVING it. He previously was editor of the Piatt County Journal Republican and the Farmer City Journal, and he was General Manager of Illinois Valley Press. He was a contributor to the News Gazette in Champaign and the Pantagraph in Bloomington. Steve started his career in radio working for WZND, WGLT and WZRO.
Steve was a founding member of TCF. He led worship there until the week he was admitted into the hospital. Steve was also part of the area singing group Bethel in the 1990s.
Steve loved to take pictures. Community members in the area have pictures because of Steve. Steve was inducted into the Blue Ridge Wall of Fame in 2023, honoring his time at the Farmer City Journal and his work capturing important moments in school history.
Most recently his main subjects were his grandchildren as they played sports and danced.
Steve loved the Chicago Cubs, walks, and riding his bicycle.
Steve spent his life in service to others by capturing important life moments and nature, and leading people to Jesus Christ through his music.
In lieu of flowers, memorial funds will be collected to benefit Allerton Park and Retreat Center or the TCF music department.
