Photo by Sam Thiel Willy Hoffmann, middle, waves to family members as they wish him happy birthday on Tuesday outside of his home in Marshall.

MARSHALL — Wilfred “Willy” Hoffmann thought he was going to have a quiet Tuesday evening to celebrate his birthday. His family had other ideas, though, especially since it was a big milestone.

Surrounded by his wife of 63 years, Marlene, a couple of his children and a sign that read, “Honk! Dad is 90 today!”, Willy sat outside his house thinking maybe a car or two would pass by and acknowledge.

Instead, he was treated to a surprise parade of cars filled with family members, relatives, signs, balloons and more. One by one, the caravan made its way down the street, honking and wishing Willy a happy birthday.

Hoffmann said he was completely caught off-guard by the parade.

“I can’t describe it,” Hoffmann said. “It’s wonderful.”

One of Hoffmann’s daughters, Cindy Sanders, said they were originally planning for a larger celebration, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, had to dial things back.

“Our mom and dad are everything to us,” Sanders said. “We were planning on having something much larger than this, but with COVID, we still wanted to do something and this was still the best way we could do it and make it a special day.”

Sanders and her other four siblings helped organize the parade and party. Whether it was on a golf cart or in a packed pickup, Hoffmann’s family showed their love and support in all forms while properly social distancing. One of the best surprises of the parade was when Hoffmann’s grandson, Jacob Welu, drove in on his John Deere tractor, which quickly brought Willy to his feet.

Sanders said her parents are incredibly special and her father puts his family first at all times.

“Our world is our world because dad and mom are part of it. We love them more than anything,” Sanders said. “He’s always put family ahead of any financial means and he’s taught us the value of hard work and the value of a dollar. Those are things we will always remember. Our dad raised us and we’re very proud to be called his children.”

Hoffmann was part of a 12-sibling family along with his parents growing up. Unfortunately, none of them reached 90, except for Willy.

Sanders said it was his goal to celebrate at the age of 90 and they’re happy he was able to achieve it.

“His goal was to make it to 90 years old and we’re so happy we made that goal together,” Sanders said. “He’s a special man to us.”

“This means a lot to me, my family together like this. I can’t help but get emotional,” Hoffmann said. “I think the world of my family; I won’t forget this.”