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Cordelia “Dee” (Coltvet) Hoffmann was born in North Dakota on Jan. 16, 1942, the fifth of six children in a Norwegian Lutheran household where faith was firm, money was tight, and education was taken very seriously (as were lutefisk dinners, unfortunately). Raised by a country minister and a traditional mother, Dee learned early the importance of a solid faith and industriousness.
She was an academic standout — but let’s be honest, it was her basketball skills that turned heads. A ferocious competitor, Dee once dropped 70 points in a single game, a feat which remains a legendary tale in Gruver history (some say the scoreboard is still smoking). She earned All-American honors three years running and was eventually inducted into the Iowa Hall of Fame for her basketball prowess.
Her ambition led her to dental school at the University of Minnesota, where she was the lone female in a sea of future dentists — four classes, one woman. Talk about trailblazing. It was there she met her future husband, Ken Hoffmann, in the most romantic setting imaginable: over a shared cadaver in anatomy class. A slow awareness of camaraderie and similar values led to marriage one week after graduation. In August of 1969 they purchased a practice in Powell, Wyoming, where they performed dentistry side-by-side for the next 45 years. Dr. Dee had a high interest in cosmetic dentistry while Ken focused on routine procedures and oral surgery (when he wasn’t fishing).
Dee wasn’t one to sit still. She served as president of the Wyoming Dental Association, sat on the Board of Dental Examiners, was secretary/treasurer for the American Dental Association 14th District and still found time to represent Wyoming in the 1978 Mrs. America pageant. She also helped found the Powell Recreation District and played competitive tennis — mainly to keep Ken humble.
Dee’s faith in Christ was the compass of her life. She served at Grace Point Church, where she was an active member: playing piano and organ, singing in trios, directing Christmas programs, serving on the mission committee, etc. She supported her family in their extracurricular activities, including sporting events, academic and musical pursuits.
She often delighted her family and guests with delicious and unique meals. As a skilled hostess, she took pleasure in presenting her dishes in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Later in life, she entertained grandchildren with imaginative games, willingly becoming a patient in their make-believe medical practices complete with surgical supplies, Band-Aids and M&Ms (which she prescribed liberally).
She trusted wholly in Christ and lived with an unshakable joy rooted in that hope. Now reunited with her Savior and the saints who’ve gone before her, Dee is likely singing or challenging angels to a pickup basketball game (they don’t stand a chance).
Dee is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Ken; her four children — Sydney (David) Millage, Jason (Terri), Drew (Ka-Lee), and Sam (Robin); 11 adoring grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Cordelia was preceded in death by her sister, Marge Jamieson, and her brother, Sherman Coltvet.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled to honor her remarkable journey on July 3, 2025, at Grace Point Church in Powell, Wyoming, beginning at 2 p.m. Friends and family alike are invited to gather in remembrance of a woman whose life was a vibrant tapestry of dedication, creativity and love. As we reflect on her journey, we cherish the memories of a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, pilot and practitioner who inspired all with her passion for life.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Camp Bethel (1710 US-14 E, Shell, WY 82441) or The Heart Mountain Gideons (P.O. Box 642, Cody, WY 82414).
