Dean E. Hoffman died October 6, 2021, of Alzheimer's Disease. He was born July 19, 1946, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to the late Everett and Betty Hoffman.

He attended college in St. Cloud, earning a B.A. in art from St. Cloud State College; later he went on to earn an M.A. in special education from University of Illinois in DeKalb and an M.A. in art from University of Wisconsin in Oshkosh. While in college, he specialized in painting but soon switched his focus to photography which became his lifelong passion.

He taught special education and art in the Oshkosh school system for 30 years. During his retirement years he traveled extensively around the world, learning about the cultures of third-world countries and photographing people. He traveled alone, his backpack containing a guidebook, minimal clothing, and several cameras.

He is survived by his sister, Marion Atwood-Hoffman, and his brothers, Jim and Wayne Hoffman, all Minnesota residents.

Throughout his illness, he was lovingly supported and cared for by his longtime friend and ex-wife, Barbara. The family and Barbara are grateful for the care provided by Moments Hospice and especially for the caregivers from the Appleton agency Senior Helpers. In the last few months of his life those caregivers became like family for Dean, bringing him moments of joy and the assurance that he was valued and loved.

As per Dean's request, no memorial service is planned.