Lee Douglas Hoffer ’80, entered the Chapter Eternal on June 12, 2017. He was 59 and a resident of Hummelstown, Pa. Born in Harrisburg, Pa, Doug grew up in nearby Hummelstown. At Kenyon, he majored in English, participating in swimming and track, and joined the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, Chi Chapter.
An All-American swimmer at the college, Doug embarked on a career that earned him a reputation as one of the most successful swim coaches in Central Pennsylvania. Over his more then 31-year career, Doug coached countless high school All-Americans, Junior National Qualifiers and YMCA NAtional Champions. some of his former swimmers would eventually earn Olympic berths. His true passion was athletic education, in which he blended creative swimming regimens, with cutting-edge strength-training routines.
Doug earned a MAster’s degree in divinity from Rhema Bible Training College in 1993. He and his wife hosted a radio ministry program for a time, but, as noted in an obituary, “his primary ministry venue remained the swimming pool, where he fostered an atmosphere of camaraderie and inclusion, and encouraged his beloved swimmers to pursue the very best in themselves.
Doug is survived by his parents, Lora Lou Hetrick Hoffer and Lee A. Hoffer; his wife of 32 years, Deborah Grau Hoffer; a daughter, Evelyn Noelle Hoffer Jones; a son, Lee Hoffer Jr.; two stepsons, Donald A. Stetler and Bradley J. Stetler; three step-grandchildren; two brothers, Norman K.A. Hoffer and Matthew D. Hoffer; and several nephews and nieces.
Memorial contributions may be made to His Mansion Ministries, PO Box 40, Hillsborough, New Hampshire 03244, or to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, 30 North LaSalle St. Suite 4300 Chicago, Illinois 60602.