Manfred Hoffmann

The Rev. Dr. Manfred Hoffmann, Professor Emeritus of Emory University and Theologian-in-Residence at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Atlanta, died peacefully at home on March 15, 2017 after living well and gracefully with challenging disabilities. Born in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, he was the son of Marta Koerner Hoffmann and Gustav Hoffmann. He is predeceased by his parents, his brother Klaus Jacob Hoffmann, his first wife Maria Luisa Colombo Hoffmann, and his oldest son, Thomas Manfred Hoffmann, all of Germany. He studied at the college level in Mainz, and went on to the graduate study of theology at the University of Heidelberg, obtaining a doctorate in that field. Continuing his devout German Methodist family faith, he followed his father and brother in the study of and ordination to the ministry. The Rev. Dr. Hoffmann served churches in the Karlsruhe district, including the German Methodist Church of Heidelberg. In 1960 he was invited to join the faculty of the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, where he taught as professor of historical theology until retirement in 1997. His adult children, Joanne Marie Hoffmann and Christopher Andrew Hoffmann & fiancé Terri Chubb survive him, along with his wife, the Rev. Dr. Elisabeth Lunz, grandson Thomas Andrew Hoffmann, and his sister-in-law, nieces, and their families in Germany. Drs. Hoffmann and Lunz have served together in ministry at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church since 1997. Manfred is beloved in his congregation and fondly remembered by his Emory students. In addition to his love for academy and church, he enjoyed and excelled at sailing, tennis, racquetball, and playing the piano and organ. He was wise, witty, kind, faithful and generous. A devoted scholar, he is the author of ten books in German and in English, and was working on another at the time of his death. He is irreplaceable in the lives and hearts of his family and friends. His teaching, example, and influence, however, will long outlive him. A service in celebration of Manfred Hoffmann's faith and life will be held in the sanctuary of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, 3180 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA on Sunday, March 19th at 2:00 pm. The family will receive visitors in Grace Fellowship Hall after the service. Instead of flowers, the family requests donations to the church in his memory.

Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033