Dan Hoff Interred at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery as Air Force Veteran

Updated 10:45 a.m. Jan. 9, 2012

Daniel Hoff, the La Mesa man who went missing in December and was found dead in an apparent suicide, was an Air Force veteran who served in California, Italy and Turkey, according to a published obituary.

The 43-year-old son of Lawrence and Ellyn Hoff has been interred at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, said Sunday’s death notice in The San Diego Union-Tribune.

He died Dec. 13 of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his torso, according to the county Medical Examiner’s Office.

“Dan Hoff was a beloved son, brother and uncle,” his death notice said. “A native San Diegan, he loved hiking and camping in the region. He lived in San Diego throughout his life, except for his time in the Air Force.”

Hoff was described as a kind-hearted man who was quick to help others and took comfort in his Christian faith.

More recently Hoff enjoyed the fellowship at City Bible Church San Diego in Mission Valley. He also attended Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in El Cajon with his sister Ann and her family and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Lakeside, said Ann Hoff Scott.

Besides his sister Ann, he is survived by his parents; sisters Carrie E. Hoff and Tricia E. (Hoff) Murphy; and brother, Neil W. Hoff; as well as nieces, uncles, aunts and cousins.

The family said it was grateful for the prayers and support received on the Facebook page used when he was being sought by 100 searchers on Poway’s Iron Mountain.

Before his body was found, his family also posted on Facebook: “We were very touched to have been contacted by some of Dan's former paper route customers from when he delivered the San Diego Tribune paper in junior high school. Thank you for reaching out to us and keeping Dan in your thoughts!”

The family said donations in his memory could be made to: San Diego County Sheriff's Department Search and Rescue, 1745 North Marshall Ave, El Cajon 92020. Memo line: In honor of Dan Hoff.

Or donors could contribute to: City of Poway, Iron Mountain Donation Fund 13325 Civic Center Drive Poway CA 92064 Memo line: Iron Mountain Donation Fund.