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1939 Evelyn 2022

Evelyn Hofer

June 27, 1939 — August 6, 2022

Evelyn Hofer, 83, of Bridgewater passed away on August 6th at her home under hospice care. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday Aug. 10th at 2 pm at Zion Bible Church of Bridgewater. Visitation will be on Tuesday Aug. 9th at the church from 5-7 pm. .

Evelyn Jean Sturzenbecher was born on June 27, 1939 to Gustav and Lucadija (“Katie” Ibis) Sturzenbecher east of Dolton, S.D. (Jake Tiahart farm). She passed away in her home, at age 83, on August 6, 2022, shortly after finding out she had cancer. At age 5, she moved with her parents to a farm southeast of Marion, S.D. There she attended District #16 Country School. In 1952 she and her parents moved to a farm just south of Stanley Corner. She finished her last 3 months of 8th grade at Union Country School, and attended Bridgewater High School.

Evelyn’s first date with Elmer J. Hofer (Slug) was when he picked her up to go to Jerry Duerksen’s graduation party. On September 5, 1959 they were married at Zion Lutheran Church in Marion. They made their home in Bridgewater.

Evelyn worked as a waitress at Stanley Corner, candled eggs, and then became the bookkeeper at Duerksen Produce. She also worked in the office at Sol’s Packing Plant. Later, she was a Special Education Aide, and then finished her working life, working in the kitchen at Bridgewater Elementary School.

Evelyn loved to bake and decorate cakes, especially for her children’s, grandchildren’s and greatgrandchildren’s birthdays and celebrations. She also made all of her children’s wedding cakes.

Everyone, but especially the grandchildren were blessed to have such a loving grandmother to babysit and care for them. She loved the title of grandma and great-grandma, and always lit up when they came to see her. The grandchildren still remember all the special food she made for them- egg sandwiches, chocolate malts, oreo dessert, sliced hotdogs in a hamburger bun, decorated sugar cookies, fried bologna bowls, pizzawiches, and everyone’s favorite, gashtel soup.

She was baptized and confirmed in the faith on May 24, 1953 at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Marion. She later became a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Bridgewater. She taught Sunday School for 30 plus years, and was active in the women’s organization. On May 6, 2012, she and Slug joined the Zion Mennonite Church. She took part in church activities, and attended several bible study groups.

Evelyn is survived by her children: Kathy (Kevin) Henrichs, Kay (Mike) Long, Penny (Steve) Smidt, and Perry (Tammy) Hofer. Grandchildren/great-grandchildren: Kurt (Sarah) Henrichs, Luke and Ben; Kris Salis, Rick and Kahlen; Kraig (Amanda) Henrichs, Blake and Layney; Kory Henrichs; Molly (Jon) Vilhauer; Jacob (Sara) Long; Josh (Tammy) Hofer, Grace, Samantha and Dylan; Austin Smidt; Scott (Krystal) Hofer, Mason, Landon and Kylie; Zack Hofer; Troy (Jordyn) Hofer, Cutler and Briggs. She is survived by one brother, Roy Sturzenbecher, and brothers and sisters-in-law: Susie Lokken, Edna Hofer, Ruben and Marlene Hofer, Ronnie and Kathy Hofer. She will be missed by many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

She was proceeded in death by her husband Slug, grandson Kenny Hofer, her parents, her brothers, Gustof (Marvel) and Ivan, her sisters Ruth (Herb) Ensz and Rose, and brothers and sisters-in-law: Connie Sturzenbecher, Grace and Art Duerksen, Johnny Hofer, Tom Lokken, Ruth and Frank Boehm, Jacob and Dar Hofer, and Carole Hofer.

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