Gordon R. Hoff, 81, of Valley City, North Dakota, passed away on June 29, 2026, at his home while under the compassionate care of Hospice CHI Health at Home.  The funeral service will be 11 am Tuesday, July 7 at Epworth United Methodist Church, Valley City.  Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church.  Burial will be in Memory Gardens, Valley City.

Gordon Ren Hoff was born January 9, 1945, in Marietta, Ohio, to Gordon and Mildred (Hill) Hoff. Following his 1963 graduation from Green Springs High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Heidelberg University. He went on to receive a Master of Arts degree in Sociology from Bowling Green State University in 1971. In 1978, he received a Doctor of Arts degree in American Government from Idaho State University.

Gordon began his teaching career at Firelands College in Huron, Ohio.  In 1970, he accepted a position at Valley City State University, where he remained active until retirement in 2004.  Following retirement as Professor Emeritus, he continued part-time employment at VCSU and The University of Jamestown.

Gordon was briefly married to Ann Elizabeth Mantis to which a son John was born.

In May 1972, Gordon married VirLyn Warner at First United Methodist Church in Enderlin, North Dakota. Together they made their home in Valley City, where they raised their two sons.

Gordon enjoyed hunting, fishing, and participating in “Oldtimers” sports. He was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge #7 and the Shriners.

Gordon is survived by his wife of 54 years, VirLyn, of Valley City; his son, John (Melodie) Hoff, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; his son, Garrett (Linda) Hoff, of Valley City; and his three grandchildren, Colin, Emily, and Andrew. He is also survived by his godson, Dylan Wolfgram, of Fargo; the Bryan and Mary Wolfgram family of Wahpeton; as well as nieces and nephews in North Dakota and Ohio.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Karlton; and his two sisters, Bonita Emery and Donna Sue Parks.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Traditions Funeral Services, Valley City.  An online guestbook is available at www.olivernathanchapel.com