Stephan W. Hoffman

Stephan Walter Hoffman, 68, (aka Steve “Race Man” Donovan) of Elkhart, passed away peacefully at the Center for Hospice Care in Elkhart with his faithful wife Marie at his side following some health complications on Monday, Feb. 17, 2020 at 6:48 am.  He was born May 3, 1951 in South Bend to the late Donald E. and Bonnie (Schlagel) Hoffman. On Sept. 17, 2010, Stephan married Marie E. (Wells) Wright in Michigan. She survives at home.

Also surviving are sons Joshua and John Hoffman, daughters Jennifer Hoffman and Julie Turrell and step-daughters Debbie (Mike) Anderson and Sue (Mark) Barlow; brothers Tim, Christopher and David (Jill) Hoffman; sister Diane (Craig) Bowlby, and a multitude of loving grand and great-grandchildren, extended family, friends, and fans. He is preceded in death by a former spouse, Patti Hoffman, and his two faithful pet companions, Max the Golden Retriever and Mimi the cat.

Stephan was a well-known radio personality known as “Steve ‘Race Man’ Donovan” in the Quad-City area with Classic Rock 97X for over 30 years and was best known for his local show covering the national and area racing scenes. His distinctive long, white hair and beard and ubiquitous baseball hat cut a unique figure, and his massive knowledge of the rock canon and smooth on-air voice and persona were popular for decades with local fans going back to the ’80s.

 A devout rocker himself, Stephan saturated himself with the likes of the Beatles, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. Also a prolific fund raiser, he enjoyed using his radio-air personality to raise money for charity and worthy causes. Recognized wherever he went, Stephan relished his huge fan base and cherished those who enjoyed rock music to the degree that he did. He was also an avid fan of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame as well as being both an NHRA and NASCAR fan as well, even to the extent of owing a formula dragster himself. The “Race Man” has roared off into that rock ‘n’ roll mansion in the sky!

In accordance with his wishes, no immediate services or rites will be performed, and cremation has taken place with the assistance of Billings Funeral Home and Altera Cremation Services of Elkhart.

On-line condolences may reach the family by visiting the funeral home’s website or Stephan’s facebook page. Memorial donations may be given to the Humane Society of Elkhart County in memory of Max and Mimi, who were waiting for Stephan when he made his Golden journey across the Rainbow Bridge. (Himbs such a good boi!!) Quad City area blogger Sean Leary is gratefully acknowledged for his contribution to this obituary.

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