Harlan Hoff

August 25, 1938 - February 23, 2021

Visitation: Visitation, with family present, will be Friday from 5 -7 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home.

Service: Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February, 27 at Canton Lutheran Church. 

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          Harlan Hoff, 82,  passed away on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at Prince of Peace in Sioux Falls, SD.  Harlan Gale Hoff was born August 25, 1938 to Erwin and Rebecca (Winckler) Hoff in Tripp, SD.  Harlan graduated from Tripp High School in 1956 and attended the University of South Dakota where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education in 1960 and his Master’s in Natural Sciences with a focus on Chemistry in 1969. He married Maedora Krueger on August 20, 1960.  The couple moved to Dell Rapids, SD then to Canton, SD where they lived for the next 50 years and raised their three children.

            Harlan touched many lives over the years beginning as a high school teacher in Dell Rapids  and Canton.  He made the transition to the construction business working as a foreman for Sweetman Construction in Sioux Falls. This paved the way for a service career with Bid-Well/Terex in Canton where he had the opportunity to use his teaching skills and travel the world.  Even in retirement, Harlan stayed active driving a school bus and then working at Karl’s TV and Appliance.

            Harlan stayed involved in the school system by serving as a member of the Canton School Board for 16 years and served the community as an EMT on the Canton-Inwood Volunteer Ambulance Rescue Squad.  As a member of Canton Lutheran Church, Harlan was a faithful servant and enjoyed singing in the choir.  Wearing many hats over the years, one of his favorites was his Santa hat.  He brought joy to many families and kids by becoming Santa in a suit made by his mother.

            Harlan’s most important roles were as a husband, father and grandfather.  He demonstrated true love and commitment to his wife Maedora of over 55 years.  Harlan could be heard at sporting events cheering loudly and using his famous whistle.  His support was second to none and his love was unconditionally given.

            Grateful for sharing his life are his children:  Sherry Schmidt (Tom) of Sioux Falls, SD; Steve Hoff (Jeanne) of Dell Rapids, SD; and Sheila Etrheim (John) of Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren:  Tyler Larson (Lindsey Kuehl), Bryant Larson (Chandra), Garrett Hoff, Corynn Hoff, Shaylee Hoff, Brody Etrheim, Megan Etrheim, Elise Etrheim, and Griffin Etrheim; great grandchildren Ember and Amelia Larson; brother Jerome Hoff (Rita) of Menno, SD; and many other family and friends.  Harlan was preceded in death by his wife Maedora; sister LuAnn Hoff; parents Erwin and Rebecca Hoff; niece Barbara Hauser; nephew Jimmy Hauser; brother-in-law Gary Hauser; and sister-in-law Sandie Hauser.

            Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February, 27 at Canton Lutheran Church.  Visitation, with family present, will be Friday from 5 -7 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the charity of your choice.

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22 messages have been left

  1. Bernie and Marge Haken on February 24, 2021 said:

    So sorry to hear about Harlan he was such an easy going super guy! Bernie and me were Canterbury friends of his we used to all live at Canterbury! I am one of his loyal card playing friends. He loved to play cards every week. My husband Bernie and him liked to go for walks. Bernie looked after him when they walked so he wouldn’t fall Bernie was a good friend and he was very much missed by all when he left Canterbury. Our thoughts and prayers are with Harlan’s family and friends God Bless you all!

  2. Brad Angelos M.D. on February 24, 2021 said:

    I’m so sorry to hear this. I thought about him last week. He was the best teacher I ever had until my fourth year into medical school, when one of my professors was his equal. He inspired me to become a chemistry major at USD. I was sorry that he went into construction, but the financial penalty for teaching meant that CHS lost its most inspirational teacher while I was there. I hope your family s doing okay with this loss.

  3. Richard and Sharon Lunder on February 24, 2021 said:

    You are in our thoughts and prayers. We have known Harlan for so many years. The Lunder’s always thought so much of your family. Blessings on all of you.

  4. Wally Haviland on February 24, 2021 said:

    I am so very sorry for your loss!
    Harlan and I were neighbors at Canterbury Village in Sioux Falls.
    He was a delightful neighbor, with a wonderful smile and great sense of humor! It was my pleasure to have known him.
    Prayers to you all.
    Wally Haviland

  5. Pat Halverson on February 24, 2021 said:

    I was on the Canton School Board for several years with Harlan. He was always a
    positive force and could look at issues from different points of view including that of a teacher. I had the good fortune to attend a National School Board convention with him. He was always willing to explain difficult issues to those of us with less experience on the Board. Thinking of him makes me smile because I see him smiling and with that twinkle in his eyes. May the Lord be with all of you in a special way during this difficult time.

  6. Curt Brynjulson on February 25, 2021 said:

    You have my deepest sympathies on Harlan’s passing. I will always remember him as the best teacher I ever had. He led me to a lifelong interest in and love for chemistry, a minor in chemistry at SDSU and a 39 year career as a chemist with the City of Sioux Falls. Even though he had a lot of other accomplishments outside his teaching career, I know that I am only one a great many high school kids who was profoundly influenced by Mr. Hoff. You will be in my prayers.

  7. ELVIRA C SEVERSON on February 25, 2021 said:

    My sympathy in your loss, he gave a good try to overcome his issues and never failed to acknowledge a greeting

  8. Janice DeJong on February 25, 2021 said:

    We were one of the lucky families to have your dad visit our home dressed as Santa. We were in total shock since our drive was all snowed in and a path had been made through the field. He had gifts for our four children and even a birthday gift for my mother whose birthday was that day (Christmas Eve). We all became firm believers in Santa that evening. Found out years later a best friend had gotten him to deliver the gifts to us. Always such a fond memory of Harlan.
    Cherish all those great memories.

  9. Jan Quenzer on February 25, 2021 said:

    Steve and Jeanne – I send my sympathy and love to you. Steve, your dad must have been an amazing man, dad and community leader. I just read the obit and it made me smile.
    The information of your dad’s passing came to me via Scott Fossum.
    Love!!!

  10. Tim Bjorneberg on February 25, 2021 said:

    It saddens me to hear of “Mr. Hoff’s” passing. However, I truly know that he loved life and his life will continue through his family and all of us he taught (I mean really taught!) in our lives. My favorite memories are in the chemistry room and bus driver in Canton. Oh boy, did he get mad at some certain boys when we mixed Na with P!! Deservedly so! Then later in life when I inspected his work on a bridge in Stanley County where our roles were reversed (or were they?). He definitely didn’t stop teaching. Loved that guy! My condolences to the family. You know you have a lot memories, so you can rely on them to get you through this difficult time.

  11. Dick Sweetman on February 25, 2021 said:

    Harlan was a wonderful man and a great leader, People who were lucky to be on his construction crew said he never quit teaching whether it be construction skillls, personal skills or just plain how to behave. His attitude – always cheerful and positive – never failed to brighten the day. RIP

  12. Kari Karst on February 26, 2021 said:

    I am so sorry to hear about Harlan’s passing. I was blessed to call him my first boss in the construction industry. At that time, it was not usual for a college girl to be on a road construction crew. He handled it with grace and taught me how much I could do. He expected me to work as hard as anyone else, but he also “watched out” for me like a father. I have such fond memories of him. The twinkle in his eye and his laugh will be remembered by all who were blessed to know him. I pray the joy of his memory will comfort all of his family and close friends.

  13. Marilyn Russman on February 26, 2021 said:

    I worked with Harlan in the construction business. Always was interesting in the spring when he was putting his crew together. Every college person applying for summer employment wanted to be on his crew . He was so respected by all who worked with him. He never quit teaching and treated everyone the same. Was a great guy to work with.

  14. Tim Bartling on February 26, 2021 said:

    Oh Harlan, my old neighbor and teacher. What an awesome guy and family. Sorry for your loss.

  15. Julie Irons Verley on February 27, 2021 said:

    I didn’t have Harlan as a teacher at CHS, but of course everyone knew him whether you were his student or not. Harlan had a big personality and a twinkle in his eye at all times. I sang in the Canton Lutheran Church choir with him, and we were on the Canton school board together, so we shared several common experiences. In all of my different interactions with Harlan, it was always apparent that he really cared about other people. He was a true and faithful servant. On behalf of Doug and myself, we would like to express our deepest sympathy.

  16. Paul Paulson on February 27, 2021 said:

    Harlan was my favorite teacher at Canton High School. Always friendly, with a quick smile and a good sense of humor. He will certainly be missed.

  17. Rod Rhead on February 27, 2021 said:

    So sorry to hear of the passing of Harlan. Like many others he was one of my favorite teachers. He would always stop and talk to you in the halls of school or on the streets of Canton. He also came to our house on Christmas Eve one year and made all the children so happy and in surprised. One of the nicest man I have ever know. God Bless.

  18. Carol Nutter Engelhart on February 28, 2021 said:

    To the best highschool science teacher ever. You made chemistry fun! I got it . I went on to nursing school and finished . Harlan was a big part of that beginning success.

  19. Larry L Weiss on February 28, 2021 said:

    Hoff Family –
    I worked w/Harlan when he was w/Sweetman Construction and I was w/SD DOT; we were doing bridge and road repair. I respected Harlan and enjoyed working w/him. My sympathy to you for your loss and will pray for you during this difficult time of grieving.

  20. Carole Sweeter Curtis on March 4, 2021 said:

    He was one of my favorite teachers and yearbook advisor. I have thought of him often over the years and will tomorrow when I sub in a high school science class.

  21. Michael Cranny on March 24, 2021 said:

    Harlan was a quality man that led by example. I am fortunate to have known him at CHS

  22. Bob Wastell on November 26, 2021 said:

    Mr. Hoff’s chemistry class was one of my favorites, some of you may remember his recipe for making “poppers” to liven up the upstairs hall at CHS in ’71. I was so pleased to see him at the All High reunion in 2015. I will miss him.