Ronald Ivan “Ron” Hoffman, 87, of Thermopolis, Wyoming, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, July 5, 2025.

Ron was born February 24, 1938, in Platte, South Dakota, to Ivan and Edris (Kratochwill) Hoffman. He spent his childhood helping on the family farm near Kimball and graduated from Kimball High School with the class of 1956.

On June 18, 1960, Ron married the love of his life, Faye Ostert. Guided by a passion for cattle that had taken root in childhood, and encouraged by his dad and uncle, he shaped every chapter of their married life around livestock. The newlyweds first farmed near Kimball, South Dakota, later moving to White Lake along the way growing feed for Ron’s large and steadily expanding cow/calf herd. A four-year stint in Montana soon followed, where open country and big cattle outfits affirmed that ranching would be his lifelong vocation. In 1980 the family settled in Thermopolis, where Ron managed the historic Arapahoe Ranch before partnering with his eldest son, Ronnie, to establish and run a ranch of their own. After the passing of his son Stephen, Ron integrated Stephen’s trucking company into the family operation, proudly coordinating the cattle hauls that kept the business moving across the West. Whether horseback on the range or planning the next shipment from his desk, Ron pursued his love of good livestock every day, right up to his final moments.

A true cowboy at heart, Ron was happiest on horseback out on the open range or back at home leafing through livestock journals with a classic episode of “Gunsmoke” playing in the background. His true passion in life was cattle, and he loved a good drive, whether hauling cattle, checking distant fence lines, or simply taking the scenic route across Wyoming’s back roads. He enjoyed hunting in his younger years, watching football, attending rodeos, playing cards with friends, exploring antique-machinery and cowboy museums, and sharing his knowledge through seasons of 4-H leadership with his children. A lifelong Catholic and faithful member of St. Francis Parish, Ron was known for his quiet strength, unwavering trust in people, and deep affection for his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Faye Hoffman of Thermopolis; five children, Ronnie Hoffman of Thermopolis, Greg (Connie) Hoffman of Thermopolis, Roxann (Michael) Pharris of Colorado Springs, Colo., Jennifer (Erich) Strege of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Doug (Shellee) Hoffman of Logan, Utah; 16 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death and welcomed into eternal rest by his son Stephen Hoffman; his parents, Ivan and Edris Hoffman; and his brother, Douglas.

A Rosary and visitation will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 10, 2025, at St. Francis Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 11, 2025, also at St. Francis Catholic Church, with interment to follow at Monument Hill Cemetery.

“Though his saddle now rests and his boots stand still, his footprints guide us down every trail.” In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the T-Town Cancer Crusaders or to a charity of your choice.