Hoffman, Elizabeth 1831-1905

HOFFMAN, DONDELINGER

Posted By: Mary Holub (email)
Date: 11/14/2018 at 17:41:04

Death of Mrs. C.D. Hoffman

Pioneer Woman of Le Mars Passes to the Beyond After an Illness of a Few Weeks

Mrs. Hoffman, wife of C. D. Hoffman, residing on Sixth street, this city, died at her home on Wednesday evening, about half past nine, after an illness of several weeks. The cause of death was dropsy complicated with other troubles.

The funeral will be held on Saturday morning, after a requiem mass at St. Joseph’s church in this city.

The death of Mrs. Hoffman marks the passing away of another honored pioneer resident of Le Mars and makes one less in the rapidly thinning ranks of those who braved the hardships of frontier days, and who did so much towards developing a territory which has since become one of the most prosperous states in the union, for the women who accompanied their husbands and male relatives to the west, did their part nobly and well and were as an important factor in the upbuilding of the country as the men. The self sacrifice of the pioneer woman was equal to the heroism of the pioneer man, and her refining influence was a power for good in the community. Of these Mrs. Hoffman ranked among the first. Coming when a young woman to a strange land her fortunes soon were linked with those of her husband and together they have traveled life’s vale for nearly fifty years sharing each others pleasures and sorrows, constant joy and solace to each other. Their life was been crowned with much happiness and the fruits of their early toil have earned them a well deserved rest and competence in their old age, their declining years being spent in peace and content surrounded by loving children, grandchildren and many kindred. Mrs. Hoffman was essentially a home maker, a devoted wife and ideal mother, a kind and resourceful neighbor, prone to do kindly acts, and active in the church and church circles.

The family was planning on observing the golden wedding of the parents next week, when the ruthless hand of death entered the home circle and removed the mother to a fairer world.

Mrs. Hoffman was a native of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Europe. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Dondelinger. She was born on February 8, 1831, and in the year 1854, came to the United States. She was united in marriage with C. D. Hoffman at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Dubuque on January 17, 1855. Shortly after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman settled in Jackson county near Tete des Morts, now called St. Donatus, where they lived until 1870. In March of that year they came to Le Mars and this has been the home of the family since. In early days Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman conducted the Dubuque hotel which stool where the family residence now stands.

Eleven children were born to them eight of whom survive. They are Susan, who resides at home; Mrs. Homan of Alton, Mrs. Michael Gehlen, of Le Mars; Anna, Sister Gabriella, who is in a convent; Denis N. Hoffman, who is employed in the Hentges Company’s store; John A. assistant cashier of the First National bank; Charles who is at Montpelier, Vt.; and Arthur, who is some where in the state of Washington. Arthur was here a few weeks ago on a visit and his present address is unknown.

Mrs. Hoffman was related by ties of blood and marriage to many of the well known families of Plymouth county and her death will be regretted in many households.

From: Le Mars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, January 13, 1905
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Alton Democrat
January 14, 1905
Mrs. John Homan received the sad intelligence Wednesday noon that her mother, Mrs. C. D. Hoffman of LeMars, was dying. She went down on the afternoon train and at nine o’clock the same evening she passed into the great beyond. The funeral will be held this Saturday morning at LeMars . The friends of Mrs. Homan here sympathize with her in this her hour of sorrow.
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