‘Jack again crossed the goal line’: Nebraska legend laid to rest in Atkinson
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Jack Hoffman, a local legend and Husker icon, was laid to rest Saturday morning after his long-lasting battle with cancer.
He will be greeted by his dad, Andy Hoffman, who passed away in 2021 with brain cancer, and his uncle, Luke Hoffman.
The service was held at the Atkinson Community Center at 10:30 this morning.
ICYMI: Family, friends honor Jack Hoffman at funeral service in Atkinson
His casket was rolled in followed by family, and the ceremony began in song.
“Jack was summoned out of this earthly life on January 15th, in the year of our Lord, 2025,” Fr. Leif Hasskarl of Immanuel Lutheran Church said. “He is survived by his mother, Brianna, his sisters Ava and Reese, his grandparents, numerous aunts and uncles, cousins, classmates, teachers, many friends, admirers and those inspired by his long, courageous fight against pediatric cancer. Blessed be Jack’s memory among us all.”
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The pastor commemorated his Espy awarded touchdown run in 2013, reminiscing on the inspiration Jack gave us all.
“In the Spring of 2013, as you and I and millions of people watched Jack take the hand-off from the quarterback and run 69 yards for a touchdown for the Huskers, a personal victory for him,” Hasskarl said. “The team then surrounded and lifted him up; it was an inspiring, emotional and wonderful moment. On January 15, 2025 Jack again crossed the goal line. This one was the goal line of mortal life.”
Although many may have questions around his death, the pastor says that Jack is in a better place.
PHOTOS: Jack Hoffman, 2005-2025
He says we will be reunited with Jack one day, and he will keep doing what he loves, even in the afterlife.
“Jack’s mortal life, though pampered by brain cancer, was no failure,” he said. “It may have even been something to be jealous of in some ways, even though it was shorter than most. Jack enjoyed his boating, his hunting, his fishing, his travelling, getting to meet celebrities and of course the best thing for Jack was when he got to suit up and play football for our West Holt Huskies.”
Jack will be buried alongside his father at the Woodlawn Cemetery.
