Polk resident, Lynn Hofmann, 56, passed away Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, at the Merrick Medical Center in Central City.

Memorial services were at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, at the Federated Church in Sutton, with Pastor Evan Christensen officiating. Graveside services followed at the Sutton Cemetery in Sutton. A book signing will be Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, from 1-8 p.m., with the family present from 4-7 p.m., at Sutton Memorial Chapel in Sutton.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be designated later. Condolences may be left at www. suttonmemorial.com. Lynn Hofmann was born Feb. 5, 1969, in Lawrence, KS, to Carroll and Sherry (Elkins) Verhage. She graduated from Geneva High School in 1987 and later earned degrees in education from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln and master’s degrees from Concordia University and the University of Nebraska—Kearney. She married Thomas Dean Hofmann July 21, 2002, at the United Methodist Church in Geneva.

Lynn began her lifelong career as an educator with Battle Creek Public Schools before working in Geneva, Sutton, Shelby- Rising City, and High Plains, before retiring in May 2025.

Lynn was a lifelong reader, making time each night before bed to dive into a good book. She also loved being outside, and she had her dark complexion in the summer to show for it. Whether running or walking, or simply tending her yard and garden, time in creation brought her deep joy. She especially loved watching the purple martins come visit during the spring and summer seasons. But there was nothing she enjoyed more than being a wife, a mother, and a grandmother.

Lynn was also an accomplished educator and speech coach, teaching so many students and speech-letes during her career. Her greatest pride was getting to teach and coach her children. She would brag about not only helping as their parent and coach, but as one who could encourage the best out of them in something people often find so terrifying—public speaking. She will be remembered for all of the lives she touched and minds she had a hand in molding. Lynn was the biggest cheerleader. It didn’t matter if you were her child or a student, you knew she had your back and would celebrate even the smallest wins with you.

Lynn is survived by her husband, Tom; children, Austin Reinsch of Polk, Brittney (Eric) Tvrdy of Valparaiso, Peyton Hofmann and Rylee Hofmann of Polk; grandson, Dean Tvrdy of Valparaiso; parents, Carroll and Sherry Verhage of Geneva; siblings, Jenny (Dave) Cook of Geneva, Jake (Kelly) Verhage of Underwood, IA, Adam (Alise) Verhage of Geneva; parentsin- law, Delary and Sheila Hofmann of Sutton; and siblings-inlaw, Todd Hofmann of Sutton, Tammie (Craig) Steinhauer of Sutton, Gwenda (Brent) Mau of Sutton; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Regina Verhage; and her grandparents.