Dr. Harry A Hoffner, born November 27, 1934, in Jacksonville, Florida, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, March 10, 2015, in Hilton Head, SC. Dr. Hoffner is survived by his wife Winifred, their three children David (Cherry), Karen (Robert) Walker, and Lee (Theresa), and two grandchildren, Samantha Panger and Maija Panger. He is also survived by his sister, Carol Masters, a resident of Tacoma, Washington.

Harry was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be sorely missed by his family, his church, and his many friends. But it is a consolation for us to know the many things he had cause to be happy about. He knew a deep peace with his Creator and Redeemer; and he knew that his family shared his faith. He was married to his beloved wife, Wini, for 56 years. Over the years of his life, Dr. Hoffner had a profound influence on the faith and spiritual growth of many people.

There were many spheres in Dr. Hoffner's life, and one of primary importance to him was his work and academic life. He earned his B.A. Cum Laude from Princeton University in 1956 and continued his studies at the Dallas Theological Seminary, obtaining a Masters in Theology in 1960, and then took up study at Brandeis University, earning an M.A. in 1961 and a Ph.D. in Ancient Mediterranean Studies in 1963.

Dr. Hoffner's first teaching post was at Wheaton College, where he taught Hebrew and Biblical studies from 1963 to 1964. He returned to Brandeis in 1964, teaching ancient Near Eastern languages as an assistant professor of Anatolian studies. Dr. Hoffner left for Yale in 1969 to be an associate professor of Assyriology and Hittitology, and in 1974 settled at the University of Chicago's Oriental Institute. Dr. Hoffner was the John A. Wilson Professor of Hittitology and was the Executive Editor of the Chicago Hittite Dictionary until his retirement in 2000. He co-founded the Chicago Hittite Dictionary with Hans Gustav Güterbock in 1976.

Harry was delighted to serve Jesus Christ. He surrendered his life to his Lord at Princeton, and gave himself continually in the service of teaching His word, most notably as the teaching leader for the men's Bible Study Fellowship class in Oak Park, IL, which he helped to establish. He was a twenty year member of the Chancel Choir of College Church in Wheaton. He continued to teach the word of God through many venues. Soon to be released by Logos Bible Software is his final work, a commentary on I and II Samuel.

As a family, we are very appreciative of the deep gratification our father received from his participation in these communities and individual lives. The work he did, and the people with whom he collaborated were of great value to him, and for that reason, to us as well. We want everyone to know how grateful we are for the joy that he received from his work, his coworkers in his field and his friends and loved ones.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m., at College Church in Wheaton, 332 E. Seminary Ave, in Wheaton, IL.

Interment will be conducted privately at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to Jews for Jesus, or to Bible Study Fellowship.