Sylvia O. Hoffman

Sylvia O. Hoffman (nee Lauth), a resident of Remembrance Home and of Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam, formerly of Juneau, entered eternal life on Saturday, April 16, 2011, at the age of 93 years and was reunited with her beloved husband, Elmer A., whom preceded her in death on March 20, 1989. She battled Alzheimer’s and Dementia for many years. Sylvia was born on April 10, 1918 in Beaver Dam, where she was also raised, to the late Edward F. and Olga (nee Schindel) Lauth. She was baptized and confirmed by Rev. L.C. Kirst, and then later married at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church. Sylvia graduated with the high school Class of 1936 in Beaver Dam. She met the love of her life, Elmer A. “Butch” Hoffman and was united in the sacred bond of marriage on January 3, 1942. Since WWII was going on, Elmer left five days later to honorably service his country, fulfilling his duty on June 15, 1945. While Elmer was away, Sylvia worked at the Weyenberg Shoe Factory of Beaver Dam, making boots for the soldiers. Elmer and Sylvia moved to Juneau and made it their home, being blessed with the joy of a beautiful baby girl to complete them. Sylvia was later employed at several businesses in the Juneau area, namely Pauly Cheese Company, Dairyland Co-op and Federal Crop Insurance Co. After retirement, she kept busy making pies at Alice’s Restaurant and volunteering at the Bethesda Store in Horicon and the Bethesda Fair. Sylvia was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Juneau, an honorary member of the St. John’s Ladies’ Aide, and a volunteer with the St. John’s Altar Committee. She was a charter member of the Juneau Memorial VFW Auxiliary Post #10423 and was still a member of the Horicon VFW Auxiliary Post #8057. She loved gardening and had a special touch when it came to growing flowers. Knitting afghans and solving crossword puzzles were among some of the things that brought her joy, yet above all, her family was the single thing she treasured the most and made many fond memories. Sylvia is survived by a beloved daughter & son-in-law; Pennae (David) Schultz of Juneau; three adored grandchildren; Dean (Karla) of Horicon, Matthew (Shana) of Burnett and Gwen (Kevin) Schultz of Juneau; seven blessed great grandchildren; Zachary, Trevor, & Baylee Schultz, Dillan & Halle Hecker, and Austin & Hayden Jean Schultz; two special sisters-in-law; Ethel Lauth of Portage and Elmer’s side; MaryJane Armstrong of Indiana. Further survived by cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and numerous close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three brothers & two sisters-in-law; Clarence, Raymond (Elladora), & Lloyd (Marg) Lauth, one sister & brother-in-law; Marjorie (Gilbert) Weber, and also other in-laws on Elmer’s side of the family. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, April 19th, 2011 at 12:00 pm (noon) at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Juneau with Pastor Paul Hirsch officiating. Visitation with the Sylvia’s family will be at the church only, on Tuesday, from 10:00 am, until the time of service (12:00 pm). Interment will follow the service at Highland Memorial Gardens of Beaver Dam. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. John’s Lutheran Church of Juneau or the charity of your choice. A heartfelt “Thank-You” is extended to the staff, at Hillside Manor and Remembrance Home, for their excellent care and concern given to Sylvia and her family, during this difficult time. Your kindness and compassion will ALWAYS be remembered and cherished. The Berndt-Ledesma Funeral Home of Juneau is serving the family. www.berndt-ledesma.com

Sylvia O. Hoffman

April 10, 1918 - April 16, 2011