Marilyn Jean (Stapf) Hoffman of Hampton, Minnesota went to meet her Savior peacefully in her home on Sunday, October 13, 2024. She was surrounded by family. Marilyn was born on April 24, 1928 in Red Wing, MN to Seybert and Vera (Kadel) Stapf and grew up on their farm in Farmington. She went to school in District 55 (one room school house), then Farmington High School where she played the tuba in the marching band. She also played the Hawaiian guitar. Marilyn held an Associate Degree in Education from St. Cloud State Teachers College. She taught school two years in District 39 (one room school) in Farmington, then 3rd & 4th Grade in Jackson, MN and 4th Grade at Ramsey School in Albert Lea, MN.
Emmanuel Church laid the foundation for Marilyn’s lifelong commitment and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is there that she met Allen Hoffman as a child. In April of 1956, Allen asked for her hand in marriage. They were wed on November 8, 1956 at Allen’s family farm. November 8th would have marked 68 years of faithful commitment to each other.
Marilyn had a very full life, teaching Sunday School, VBS and Release Time Classes. She was a leader of Homemaker’s Club, 4-H Club, Women’s ministry at church, was the Church Kitchen Coordinator and sang in the choir. Enriching the lives of her children, Marilyn passed down her skills of gardening, canning, cooking, baking, scrapbooking, sewing and singing. Marilyn was a lover of animals, especially cats. She also loved to travel, seeing most of the continental US in her twenties and then in her later life with Allen, traveled the world with her daughter, Cindy and Bob.
A consummate historian, Marilyn extensively documented both sides of the family history, including genealogy, photos and impactful stories. She contributed to the book, Malice Toward None - Heartening Survival of the Kochendorfers, by Daniel C. Munson. Marilyn’s ancestors, the Kochendorfer-Stapf family were devout Christians. They lived their lives, clinging to their faith in Jesus even when they faced death and great hardship. This heritage made a lasting impression on her life. “It is my prayer that our descendants may so live, taking Jesus as their Savior and guide, and that we may all meet in that heavenly home, praising God for His wonderful love shown us here.”
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Seybert and Vera (Kadel) Stapf; brother Lester (Edna) Stapf; sister Evelyn (Don) Lorenz; infant son, David Allen Hoffman; infant grand-daughter Ariana Hoffman; and grandson Mark Hoffman. She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 68 years, Allen Dietrich Hoffman; children Mary (Jeff) Fillinger, Paul Hoffman, Cindy (Bob) Cross and Judy (Richard) Vanman; beloved niece Bette Stapf and nephews Joe (Eileen) Stapf and Ron (Jan) Lorenz.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jeffrey (Mallory) Poe, Jamie (Joe) Blank, Andrew (Caryn Christenson) Hoffman, Heather (Joel) Gnat, Heidi Hoffman, Troy Hoffman, Tracy Hoffman, Leah Hoffman (Kevin Mellette), Justin (Jessica) Vanman, Jessica (Nick) Thompson, Jason Vanman (Tania Beatriz Bayon), Jenea (Alex) Cheski, and Jarren Vanman and step-grandchildren Heidi (Brian) Vassak, Dan (Christine) Fillinger, Jerell (Emily) Juve and Jerreise Poepping (Jacob Anvik). Marilyn and Allen were blessed with 25 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to express our gratitude to the amazing, faithful and loving caregivers, Bette, Joann, Faye, Lisa, Karen, Caryn, Joan, Deanna, Melodee and Rick (hospice nurse) who made it possible for Marilyn to remain at home throughout her last years.
A Celebration of Marilyn’s Life will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Bethel’s Rock Church, 6300 212th St West, Farmington, MN. The visitation will begin at 9:30 AM with the service at 11 AM. Immediately following the service, a lunch will be served. Interment will be at Emmanuel Cemetery, Farmington, MN on the morning of Monday, October 28th.
White Funeral Home 651-463-7374/
Condolences: www.whitefuneralhomes.com
