Hoffmans to marshal Battle Days

For their decades of devoted service to Rosalia, long-time residents Bill and Alice Hoffman have the honor of presiding over this year’s Battle Days celebration as grand marshals.

“We just love it here,” Alice told the Gazette last Friday. “It’s our favorite place in the world.”

Bill has spent 74 of his 78 years in Rosalia, with Alice by his side for the past 54. Together, the couple raised three children who went down the graduation aisle at Rosalia.

“The other four I had to be gone, because I was in the military,” he said while helping Alice tend to Pittman’s Town and Country, a Friday duty the two have shared for the past several years.

“We love it here. You get to be here to help whenever anybody wants to celebrate,” Alice said of the flower shop.

A veteran of the Korean War, Bill can remember his mom telling him about Indians passing through.

Bill will meet some of his schoolmates this summer for their 60-year class reunion.

Bill and Alice have lived in the same house just outside city limits on Pandora Road throughout their marriage. They love tending to their garden and taking long walks together.

“He likes to walk into town, but I love going the other way down the road,” said Alice.

Pat Voge, president of the Rosalia Chamber of Commerce, said the organization chose the Hoffmans because of their involvement in community organizations.

“They’re always there to help out with everything,” said Voge.

Both are long-time members of the Rosalia Lion’s Club.

Bill has been the official Rosalia weatherman for the National Weather Service for more than 40 years. He also led the local Boy Scout troop, is a member of the VFW and a fixture in the bleachers at Spartan sports events.

Alice is central in the town’s Thrifty Grandmothers, and secretary of the Garden Club. She was a Campfire leader when her children were young.

Both Bill and Alice said they love the Battle Days scene, with the cannon blast, bull bash and - most importantly - scads of long-time friends and neighbors.

“It’s always a good time,” said Alice. “You get to see so many people you haven’t seen in a long time. That’s what I love most about Battle Days.”