Lothar Albert Hoffmann

Lothar Albert Hoffmann, age 87 of Chesterfield, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on March 29, 2023.

Lothar was born on February 27, 1936 to Hans and Karla Hoffmann in Penzig-Goerlitz, Germany. Lothar was drawn to the arts, and particularly to lettering, graphic design, and calligraphy. He began his career as apprentice to a sign painter and went on to study graphic design, typography and calligraphy at the Fachschule für Angewandte Kunst, Berlin. After the passing of his mother, Lothar escaped East Berlin and received refugee status in West Germany. In Munich, he met the love of his life and future bride, Karin Breustedt. They married in Essen, Germany and shortly after welcomed the birth of their son, Oliver. Lothar continued his studies to graduate from the Folkwangschule Essen. In 1964, Lothar and Karin immigrated to the United States and settled near his brothers in Detroit, Michigan. They soon welcomed their second child, Elisabeth. Lothar began his career as a graphic designer in Detroit studios including Al Hutt, New Center, and Skidmore-Sahration. After a few years in Detroit, the family moved to Harper Woods. In 1972, Lothar began teaching graphic design and lettering at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit and eventually became a full Professor and Department Chair, retiring in 2007. He taught and practiced for 35 years at the college, and he enjoyed hearing from many generations of his past students.

Lothar loved animals of all kinds, and had a particular fondness for strays, ferals, and injured animals. He lived for twenty years in Carsonville, Michigan where he returned to his rural roots. He grew his flock of birds to the hundreds, as well as feeding many cats, dogs, groundhogs, raccoons, opossums, and skunks. He had a lifelong love for motorcycles, the favorite being his BMW R69S. In his 50’s, Lothar gained a pilot’s license and purchased a Piper Tomahawk with which he occasionally terrorized Great Lakes freighters and bridge operators. He lived a full life and has left this world a better place for his family, his students, and his animals. He will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

Beloved husband of Karin Hoffmann; cherished father of Oliver Hoffmann, and Elisabeth (Andrew) Fischer; proud grandfather of Joel (Brianne) Fischer, Hope (Nicholas) Ciotti, Catharine Hoffmann, Alexander Lothar (Fiona) Hoffmann, Thomas Hoffmann, and Erich Hoffmann; loving great-grandfather of Evelyn Fischer; dearest brother of Peter Hoffmann.

Lothar is preceded in passing by his parents Hans and Karla Hoffmann, and brothers Gerhard Hoffmann and Detlef Hoffmann.

Memorial Visitation to take place on Tuesday, April 4 from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM, with a service at 6:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St Clair County Humane Society in Lothar’s memory.