Obituary of Lela Hoffman

Lela M. Hoffman (Underwood), age 85, passed away peacefully on March, 14th, 2011. Growing up on a farm in Iowa, Lela always knew that she wanted to be a teacher. While attending college, she fell in love with Ken Hoffman, who was in the seminary to become a Lutheran minister. It was truly a match made in heaven. Lela taught in many schools through the years. She often was asked to take the harder classrooms, as she was known to be tough enough to take on the biggest challenges life had to offer, but also fair, and loved by all of the students she touched. She seemed perfectly suited to be the wife of a pastor - always involved in church and volunteer activities, and singing in the choir. She could often be seen on the back of Ken's motorcycle, whether they were on their way to a confirmand's party, a wedding, or a cross-country trip with friends. When she found the time, she kept busy baking prize-winning lemon pies and other assorted goodies, or tackling her latest crafting hobby. Upon retiring, Lela and Ken moved to Cambridge, MN, where they continued to serve the Lord and the community, volunteering at the local senior center, and even teaching English as a Second Language classes. During her time in Cambridge, she won the outstanding senior volunteer award for Isanti County. Lela was a true 'giver' in every sense of the word, and while heaven may have gained an angel, the world has certainly lost one. Lela was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Ken; her parents, Alex and Marjorie; sisters Joyce and Eunice, and brother Grant. She is survived by her brother Everett; daughters Susan Dichter of Philadelphia, PA, and Lori King (Chuck) of Champlin, MN; sons John (Christine) of Shoreview, MN, and James (Kimberly) of Chanhassen, MN; and grandchildren Lisa, Matthew, Benjamin, Anna, Alexander, Samuel, and Ellen.