Elaine E. Hoffmann

Elaine E. Hoffmann, 97, took the Lord’s Hand in the early hours of Sunday, June 3rd at Bethel Home, Oshkosh where she resided. She was born Elaine Ella on July 20, 1920 in New London, WI to Henry and Martha (Wolfgang) Raettig, Sr. The family moved to Oshkosh when she was 5 years old.
Elaine was a graduate of Oshkosh High School, Wisconsin State Teacher’s College (now UW-O) and the University of Colorado at Boulder. She was employed at Oshkosh Dental Labs and then became a secretary at A. P. Nonweiler Company before her college years. Elaine then taught 5th and 6th grades at Washington School in Oshkosh. She became the first Reading Specialist at Oshkosh West High School and also spent one year developing the Reading Program at Oshkosh North. She retired in 1981. She traveled to Europe, Alaska and Hawaii.
Elaine married Burton E. Hoffmann of Oshkosh on November 29, 1941 at Peace Lutheran Church in Oshkosh. Burton attained the rank of Lt. Col. AUS (Ret) during his career and they were married 55 years. He preceded her in death in 1996. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Henry Raettig, Jr, his wife Marion and a sister-in-law, Ruth L. Hoffmann.
Elaine is survived by her sons Colin M. Hoffmann of Oshkosh and Brian C. Hoffmann of Sheboygan, WI. She is further survived by her daughter-in-law Donna M. Hoffmann of Sheboygan, two grandchildren, Kim (Christopher) Chronister of Alachua, Florida and their girls Katie and Jackie, and Bradley C. (Debbie) Hoffmann of Cleveland, WI. Further survivors include her niece Linda (Christopher) Klein of Waupaca, WI and her nephew Terry (Kathleen) Raettig of Olympia, WA and their children.
Elaine was active in Winnebago County Retired Teachers’ Association, Twentieth Century Club, Womens Club, Ray Fuller Chapter 17 DAV Auxillary, supported the Oshkosh Area Humane Society, Mercy Medical Foundation, and the Oshkosh Public Museum. She played in four Bridge groups and grew test roses for Jackson-Perkins Company. She also was a member of Ladies Guild of Immanuel Lutheran Church which she attended.
Visitation for Elaine will be held on Friday, June 8th at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home (Westside) 100 Lake Pointe Drive, Oshkosh from 4:00 until 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Saturday at 10:00 am until the time of the service. The funeral will be held at 11:00 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 338 N. Eagle Street in Oshkosh Saturday, June 9th with the Rev. John E. Seelman presiding. Private burial rites will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Algoma Blvd in Oshkosh.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church 338 N. Eagle Street, Oshkosh, WI 54902 or the Oshkosh Area Humane Society at 1925 Shelter Court, Oshkosh, WI 54901 in Elaine’s name.
Her family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of Bethel Home 2-West and Ascension Hospice Team for their superb care of Elaine.
“Come unto ME all you who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give YOU rest.” Matthew 11:28