Saying Goodbye to a Legend
Rev. Emmett G. Hoffmann “Soaring Eagle” 1926 – 2013
Montana has lost a legendary missionary priest, a master fundraiser and the Northern Cheyenne have lost an honorary chief and their greatest friend. On February 1, 2013, Rev. Emmett G. Hoffmann passed on to the next camp to join his mentors, the old chiefs of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. Rev. Emmett’s humanitarian achievements on behalf of the Cheyenne stand unequaled in the history of the Catholic Church in the 20th Century American West.
Although he won numerous awards, it can be said of Rev. Emmett that he never forgot the farm. Born in 1926 near Marathon, Wisconsin, “Buddy” worked on the farm before entering the minor seminary at Mt. Calvary, Wisconsin. He then graduated to the Novitiate at St. Felix Friary in Huntington, Indiana and finally to the Mary Immaculate Friary in Garrison, New York. In 1950, he graduated with a degree in Philosophy and returned to his home town of Marathon to the House of Theology at St. Anthony’s Friary. On August 27, 1953, at the age of 27, Rev. was ordained a Capuchin priest at St. Mary’s Church. His first parish assignment was to St. Labre Mission, a small, dilapidated mission school for the Northern Cheyenne in Montana. The school was on the verge of closing for lack of funds.
When he arrived in Montana in July, 1954, Rev. was shocked by the impoverished living conditions of the Cheyenne, the forgotten victims of neglect by the U. S. Government. They were drinking from contaminated wells and suffering from one of the highest TB rates in the nation. Malnourished families crowded into thin wall tents and old log cabins in temperatures of 40 degrees below zero.
Within a year, Rev.’s supervisor became ill and Rev. Emmett, the inexperienced, naive priest took over as Executive Director of St. Labre Indian School and Superintendent of Schools. He knew nothing of business but he had the determination and a solid faith that God would show him the way. Soon, Rev. was organizing the first of his highly successful fundraising campaigns. Bursting with energy, his great enthusiasm and charismatic personality foretold an encouraging future for St. Labre.
In the coming years, Rev.’s superiors tried to transfer him to other parish posts, as was the custom, but the Cheyenne gathered numerous signed petitions to block his placement elsewhere. In an effort to show how serious the Cheyenne were to keep Rev. Emmett with them, they made him an Honorary Chief of the Northern Cheyenne Council of 44, one of only two white men in history to attain that honor.
Over the years, Rev. Emmett became a pioneering giant among fundraisers. With advice from friends and donors, Leo Dohn, Conrad Sump and Paul Morigi, he perfected direct mail donor campaigns that funded many educational programs, not the least of which was the complete rebuilding of St. Labre Indian School. In the coming years, many generous and compassionate people responded to Rev.’s appeal letters from, “Your beggar friend.”
With help from donors, Rev. built a 5,000 square foot factory, founded 3 industries, rebuilt a sawmill and facilitated the construction of dozens of homes, 3 churches, 3 schools, 5 homes for neglected and abused children and beginning funds for what later became Dull Knife Memorial College. In all, Rev. helped educate thousands of Indian children and built an endowment to provide full college scholarships for many deserving high school graduates.
Rev. Emmett’s success can be compared to that of Rev. Edward Flanagan, the famous founder of Boy’s Town in Nebraska. Like Rev. Flanagan, Rev. Emmett succeeded in monumental goals that others thought impossible. Under Rev. Emmett’s direction, St. Labre Indian School went from a few condemned buildings with less than 100 students to one of the finest modern Indian schools in the nation with an enrollment of 700 students in three schools.
After a Sabbatical in 1981, Rev. Emmett helped to construct St. Bernard’s Church in Billings. Then he returned to St. Labre to build the Soaring Eagle Center, a 52,000 square foot facility containing an auditorium with 419 seats, full basketball court, 2 practice courts, indoor track, racquetball courts, weight room, sauna and Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Rev. Emmett’s 20 hour days finally took a toll on his health. In 1994, Rev. Emmett retired from St. Labre Indian School, but
retirement didn’t suit him. In 1997, he came out of retirement to found Soaring Eagle, a Public Charity, a Foundation that would build and maintain a 40-bed, assisted living home for Native elders called the Heritage Living Center. The Center opened in 2002, on a hill above Ashland, MT with scenic views of the Tongue River Valley. A biography of Rev. Emmett’s life, Renegade Priest of the Northern Cheyenne, by author Renee Sansom Flood, was published in 2003.
Rev. Emmett G. Hoffmann was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Regina Hoffmann and two sisters, Rita (Herb) Gust and Dorothy (Joseph) Karlen and niece Charlene Bembenek. He is survived by his sister, Marilyn (Larry) Mondroski of Mosinee, Wisconsin and his Sister Phyllis M. Hoffmann, of the Order of Salvatorian Sisters in Milwaukee and special nephew Michael (Debbie) Gust of Crow Agency, MT, and his sisters Phyllis (Curtis) Bear Chum and Anita Kempf; other nieces and nephews include Kathy Wilde, Barbara Reichel, Jean Klos, Donna Stary, Laurie Sanders, Tammie Tereczynski, Cheryl Simonis and nephews; Charles Karlen, Robert Karlen, John Karlen, Larry Bembenek, Andrew Mondroski, Mark Mondroski, and James Mondroski
He also leaves behind his oldest adopted Cheyenne daughter, Carol Kunkel of Mount Pleasant, N.J., grandsons Joseph and Justin and granddaughter Cara George and great granddaughter, Hailey. He also leaves his youngest adopted Cheyenne daughter, DeWanda Little Coyote and husband Jay Houle of Ashland, MT and grandson Cordell James (Larena) Little Coyote and great grandchildren, Markell and Carone; and grandson Shawn Backbone Jr., and great grandson, Juanito.
Rev. Emmett Hoffmann’s family wish to thank the residents and staff of the Heritage Living Center is Ashland, especially Jamie Olson, The Ashland Community Health Center, St. Vincent’s Hospital, especially Dr. Edward Malters and nurse, Jennifer Miller, IHS Emergency Room Staff in Lame Deer and the Ashland First Responders. We have a big family and if we left anyone out, we are deeply sorry.
We honor Rev. Emmett as a true advocate for the Northern Cheyenne. The whole course of his life was devoted to humanitarian justice and the grace of giving. As we say goodbye to a legend, we have traced his memory in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, please remember Rev. Emmett’s beloved charity, Soaring Eagle, which funds the Heritage Living Center for Cheyenne elders. Memorials in Rev. Emmett’s name may be sent to Soaring Eagle, P.O. Box 879, Billings, MT 59103
A Wake/Rosary will be held on Monday, February 4, 2013 at 7 p.m. at the St. Labre Catholic Church in Ashland. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at the Soaring Eagle Gymnasium at St. Labre Indian School on Tuesday, February 5th, 2013 at 10 a.m. Father Paschal Siler Officiating. Rite of Committal will be in Eagle Ridge Park at the Heritage Living Center. A feast at St. Labre Cafeteria will follow the burial. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth, Montana is entrusted with the funeral arrangements Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting with these arrangements and condolences may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 AM
Tuesday February 5, 2013
St. Labre Soaring Eagle Gym
Ashland, MT 59003
Rite of Committal
Following Services
Tuesday February 5, 2013
Eagle Ridge Park at Heritage Living Center
Ashland, MT 59003
Service Schedule
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 AM
Tuesday February 5, 2013
St. Labre Soaring Eagle Gym
Ashland, MT 59003
Rite of Committal
Following Services
Tuesday February 5, 2013
Eagle Ridge Park at Heritage Living Center
Ashland, MT 59003
Share
Lori & Troy Killsontop & Family says
The best way to honor someone who is not with us anymore is to continue living our life and keep their memory alive through everyday events. Father Emmett would have wanted that, and expected nothing less from you. Hold tight to his memories for comfort. God Bless you Father Emmett.
Pat Smith says
Father Emmette was a great and wonderful person who will be missed by all of the many who knew him. Our community is very blessed to have had him in our mist for these many years. May you rest in peace father.
Michael Gust says
We will miss you uncle. Someday we will see you in heaven, say Hi to my mother.
Donna Wick Brien says
Father Emmett was the best, he will be missed dearly. Thank you for all that you did for me and my family during my years at St. Labre, you made it fun.
Condolences to the family of Father Emmett Hoffman.
Debbie Gust says
I’m going to miss you. I will miss all the teasing we had together. As my brother-in-law as in my crow cultural way it was a honor that you accepted it. Thank God he gave you big heart you performed our marriage with your nephew Mike & I , baptist our 3 childre,n and was there for 1st commuions . Now we are great-grandparents with our daughter Kateri. Life has to go on, Im glad I was there with your on your last breath to Heavenly Kingdom.
Julie Eagle says
He will be missed, today when i seen a pendalton blanket in the dinning room it was the sadest…..was sure a honor to work with him at the Heritage Living Center, to the family of Fr. Emmett: My prayers and condolences to you all!!
Tiger & Kelly says
Father was really an inspiration.
He will be missed by all that knew him.
Donna Fragua-Nelson says
I’m most appreciative of how he took my care of my litttle sister and nephews when we were so far away. He loved and cared for DeWanda LittleCoyote, Cordell James LittleCoyote and Shawn Backbone Jr. along with Markell, Carone and Juanito.. Jay Houle. He was our Angel. May the good Lord grant him eternal peace and welcome him with open arms.
Jay Houle says
Thank you Father for your many years of hard work to make a lot of lives better… you were and still are truly a soldier of God. Enjoy the next camp.
Fran & Stan Oswald says
Rest in peace, Father. You made such a great difference in so many lives. Thank you. You will be sorely missed.
Francine LaForge Small says
We have no words for good-by. We will see you in heaven, Father. I am so glad I got to visit you & said what I needed to say. You were indeed a select servant of God. Many many Cheyennes & Crows benefit from your services. Thank you! My deep condolences to my Hoffman family, Mike/Debby, Dewanda, Phyliss/Curtis Bearchim & Nita & the family.
Jonathan Beartusk says
Thank you, Father Emmett for all you’ve done for me and my family. May we all share your keen ability to realize powerful visions for our nation. We will miss you. Thank you.
luz sisolak says
He will be missed! He truly served God by serving people.
Johnathan Brooks says
My dear old friend, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity in education and who I became today if it hadn’t been for you organising my adoption. You were a lovely down to earth energetic priest who opened my eyes that not all priests are the same. For me you redeemed what the Catholics had historically done to the Native Americans. Great job and thank you for my opportunity in life and all you did for all Northern Cheyennes. RIP Em.
Jeanie (HwaSoon) Hanic says
Father Emmett was really great to our family. We will really miss him. I can remember how helpful and kind he was to me when I came to the U.S. from Korea. I hope he finds peace in the heavens. When he finds Kenny, they can enjoy some green grass therapy and laughs together. Our family extends our sympathy to all of those that have been touched by Father Emmett and his kindness through the years.
With Love,
Jeanie Hanic and family
Janet Robideau says
I don’t think people truly realize all that Father Emmett did, especially on an individual level. Thanks to St. Labre I have been able to live a productive life. We were taught many things including, but not limited to, honor, honesty, ethics, and integrity. I learned to live by the principles that were taught and to strive to pass on what had been so freely given to me. I truly believe that my life and my work was successful due in large part to what we learned at St. Labre. Father Emmett may not have remembered me personally but I am quite sure that he would have been proud to see how the academic and life teachings of St. Labre influenced and guided my life. RIP Father and thank you for having the courage and fortitude to live with our Cheyenne and Crow nations.
JoAnn Elliott says
The Heritage Living Center will never be the same. Your place at the dining room table is empty now. You will be missed by those of us seeing you and Fergie every day. For those who joined you every morning prayer In the Chapel will have to carry on without you. Leaving an emptiness to all. It was an honor to have known you. Rest in Peace Father
Veronica Longo says
Common history keeps us close in memory if not geography. I extend my condolences to the Gusts, and Bearchums. Rest in Peace Fr. Emmett. Your spirit leads as usual.
~ Vonnie Longo
The Preston Family, San Diego, CA says
It was a privilege to have known Father Emmett through his newsletters all these years. He gave so much; and gave us a chance to donate what we could to our Indian brothers and sisters. Thank you Father; Eternal Rest Grant to you in your Heavenly Home.
Nathaniel Corum says
Rest in Peace Honorary Chief Emmett Hoffmann, It is an honor to be working on the Sustainable Native Communities Collaborative team with your grandson Joseph Kunkel on tribal capacity building, programs and facilities. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree; the tree in this case, an inspiring oak. Among the fruits of a life well lived is to have others, including your progeny, standing on your shoulders to continue the important work. Thanks for leading a life worth living and handing down to Joseph, a new Rose Architectural Fellow, a legacy of inspired community leadership and manifestation.
Nathaniel Corum, Architect, Head of Education Outreach, Architecture for Humanity
http://www.sustainablenativecommunities.org/fieldnews/
Dr. Robert Schwartz says
Dear Father Emmett Hoffmann, I had the fleeting pleasure of speaking with you by phone last year, and I told you I would come to see you this year. I have only now in April 2013 learned of your death, and it makes me feel very sad, for you were a giant on earth. I am hurt by your absence, but I am inspired by your life in every way. Thank you for your example of a living saint and one who will be sorely missed by all who knew you in person or in your writings.