Joel Hoff, October 17, 1956 - April 10, 2026.
On April 10, Joel Patrick Hoff, age 69, of Ogden Dunes, Indiana, passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, and crossed gently into the arms of his Heavenly Father, a place beyond pain, struggle, and tears. The son of Charlotte (Berry) Hoff (Lahey) and Paul Hoff, he was the fifth of eight children raised in South Bend, Indiana.
Growing up, he attended St. Matthew’s School, where in 7th grade, he learned he had a kidney defect from birth, an early challenge that shaped his resilience. While attending Marian High School, he faced further hardship, including the tragic loss of his father, Paul, in an auto accident on December 17, 1971. Yet Joel persevered, forming lifelong friendships and, against all odds, becoming an all-star track athlete. After graduation, he attended Tri-State University, where he was recognized by the National Honor Society in Business Administration in 1978, and in May 1979, earned a degree in accounting before obtaining his CPA. After years of dialysis and health struggles, a miracle came on November 18, 1981, when his sister Mary donated a kidney, restoring his life. With daily medication, his health flourished, and the kidney remained fully functional for the rest of his life - a remarkable 45 years.
After his transplant, he worked at Crowe Chizek Accounting for several years. He then went on to have a deeply fulfilling and rewarding career with the Sisters of St. Francis Health Services, which spanned over 37 years. A devout Catholic, Joel lived out his faith through both his work and his generosity. Alongside his dedicated career, he devoted his time to St. Jude Parish on the south side of South Bend, IN. He retired in 2020, closing a long and meaningful chapter. During his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with family, listening to music, living on Lake Michigan, golfing, coordinating and celebrating Marian class reunions, attending neighborhood events like Wine on the Wall, and enjoying the beach with family, friends, and neighbors. To share his passion for music, he created Dirty Dog Audio, building high-fidelity speakers for music lovers all over America to enjoy with loved ones.
Joel’s life was richly woven with family, food, and faith. He was devoted to his wife, Therese (Tracy) Webber Hoff, of 41 years, and their three sons, Alex (Caroline), Nathaniel (Jillian), and Steven. He blessed them with gourmet meals, a love of music, and a strong faith in Christ.
He shared his passions for music, Notre Dame football, golf, boating, and fishing with anyone he met. A steadfast man of faith, he was a constant source of knowledge, support, and encouragement to all.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him, especially his siblings: Tom (Jane) Hoff and Jeff Hoff of South Bend, IN; Mary Dyer (Marc) of Chesapeake, VA; Peggy (Tim) Breitenbach of Batavia, OH; and Tony (Sara) Hoff of McCordsville, IN, as well as 17 nieces and nephews. Additionally, Tracy’s eight siblings, six “outlaws,” and 20 nieces and nephews will hold him in their hearts.
Joel is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Paul, and his sister Janey (Harman).
Our heavy hearts will always miss our beloved Joel (Dad), but we rejoice in knowing he has joined Christ and all his loved ones in Heaven. Godspeed, Dad. We will see you joyous and free on the other side. Rest in peace. You fought the good fight, you kept the faith, and you ran a great race.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, May 1st, at 11:00 am (CST) in the Nativity of Our Savior Church, 2949 Willowcreek Road, Portage, Indiana.
Visitation for Joel will take place on Thursday, April 30th, from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm (CST) at Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington Street, Michigan City, Indiana, and on Friday from 10:00 am until 11:00 am (CST) at Our Nativity of Our Savior Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Joel’s memory may be made to the Nativity of Our Savior Food Pantry or St. Vincent de Paul (219-762-4858), continuing his lifelong spirit of service to others.
To sign a guest book and leave condolences online, visit our website at
www.otthaverstock.com.
