Vaughn Richard Hoff

Vaughn Richard Hoff (76), a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on August 30, 2026, from complications due to injuries sustained in a fall. Vaughn’s gentle demeanor, humor, and steadfast nature made him a treasure to his family and all that knew him.

Vaughn was born on January 20, 1950, in Littlefork, Minnesota. In 1956, his family moved to the North Shore when his father, Vernon, accepted a foreman position with Reserve Mining Company. The Hoff family first lived in Silver Bay before moving to Little Marais in 1958 in search of more land and a country lifestyle. There, Vaughn and his siblings grew up in the woods near Lake Superior.

Vaughn was a 1968 graduate of William Kelley High School in Silver Bay. Upon graduation, Vaughn attended Lake Superior College in Duluth earning an associate degree in electronics. He began his career working for North Electric Telephone Company, a job that had Vaughn and his young family moving frequently around the country to work on electronics at various hubs for the telephone company.

In 1975, Vaughn and his young family returned home to Silver Bay to provide stability for their young and growing family. Vaughn accepted a position with Reserve Mining Company, where he worked until the company closed in 1986. He then joined Lake Superior Paper in Duluth, where he remained until his retirement in 2015.

In 1975, Vaughn also began working for the Driscoll family as the onsite caretaker for their Lake Superior property. Vaughn took great pride in his work with Driscolls caring for their property and getting to know their family for the 40+ years that he was in this role. The care and knowledge that Vaughn brought to his work along with his kindness and gentle demeanor made him a cherished part of the extended Driscoll family. Vaughn retired from this position in 2015 and passed the torch onto his son Mike.

Throughout his life – Vaughn was a proud member of the North Shore community. Vaughn was known for his unwavering commitment to his family, community and church. He could always be counted on for helping anyone in need - whether it was lending a hand with electrical work, building projects, clearing trees or simply being there to listen. Vaughn’s vast knowledge of many things paired with his kind heart – made him a beacon of support for many.

Vaughn found immense joy in spending time with his grandchildren, sharing with them his love of nature through hiking, hunting, camping, fishing and other assorted outdoor adventures. One of Vaughn’s favorite places was Glacier National Park in Montana. He was able to bring many of the grandkids along with him to the park to experience the majestic Rocky Mountains and beautiful scenery first-hand with him.

Vaughn’s presence at his grandkids sporting events was a testament to his dedication as a grandpa, always cheering them on with pride, often taking in several games and logging 100+ miles in one day. For the sporting events that Vaughn could not attend in-person, he was sure to stream the games whenever possible and offer an accurate account of the game along with encouraging words to the grandkids that had played in the game.

Vaughn is preceded in death by parents Vernon and Virginia (Mueller) Hoff.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene; children, Tracy (Kent) Barry, Angie Boese, Mike (Angie) Hoff, and their mother, Margaret Hoff with whom he remained connected through their children; stepchildren, Brian (Callie) Weeks and Jessica (Alan) Dehnoff; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Breanna, Tyler, Berkley, Grady, Breckon, Barron, Josie and Lain; great-grandson, Vaughn Andrew.

Vaughn is also survived by his siblings, Vane (Sheryl) Hoff, Vern Hoff, and Vicki (Gary Thompson) Hoff.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday September 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Baptism River Community Church, located at 6768 Highway 1, Finland, MN.

Luncheon to follow at the Clair Nelson Center in Finland.