Mary Hoff

Mary Jane Hoff, 59, of Fergus Falls, died Saturday, June 13, 2009, at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls surrounded by her loving husband and children. She was born September 30, 1949, in Fergus Falls, MN, the daughter of Roy and Emma (Ellingson) Erickson.  Mary Jane was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and attended Fergus Falls Public School and, later in life, Fergus Falls Community College where she was awarded an Associates of Arts degree, and Moorhead State University for credits toward her BA degree. On September 20, 1969 she was married to Van Hoff and resided most of her life in Fergus Falls. Together Mary Jane and Van had three children: Lanny, Brett and Christopher. During her life, Mary Jane’s most important occupation was that of homemaker and mother to her children and as grandmother to her three grandchildren. She also worked as an over-the-road truck driver with her husband Van and had worked at her dream job as a Fitness Instructor at Curves in Fergus Falls for the last several years.  Her energy and sense of humor served her well in these varied occupations. Mary Jane was a member of the Fergus Falls Garden Club, the Red Hat Society, Pioneer Home Auxiliary, Minnkota Cat Fancier’s Association and the American Cat Fancier’s Association.  She was an avid gardener and enjoyed yearly trips each Mother’s Day to the garden center with her family.  Mary Jane bred show cats for much of her adult life, a hobby she shared with many friends and her mother-in-law Vivian Hoff.  The hobby which she pursued with the most vigor was caring for and enjoying her grandchildren, something she did at every opportunity and with breathtaking zeal. Mary Jane is survived by her husband, Van, of Fergus Falls;  three children: Lanny (DeAnn) Hoff of Minneapolis, Brett Hoff (Mike Helm) of Minneapolis, and Christopher (Stephanie) Hoff of Fargo, ND; her grandchildren, Jasper Hoff, Owen Helm-Hoff and Jordyn Hoff; her mother, Emma (Elllingson) Erickson of Fergus Falls; and seven siblings: sister, Doris (Herbert) Jacobson of Sacramento, CA, brother, Roy (Margie) Erickson of Quinlin, TX, brother, James (Joie) Erickson of Hebron, ND, brother, Dale (Rhoda) Erickson of Monticello, MN, sister, Elaine Hotchkiss of Erhard, MN, sister, LaVay (Hubert) Wisness of Elk River, MN, and sister, Vicki Erickson, Greenville, TX. She is preceded in death by her father, Roy and brothers, Gary and Darwin. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to express a preference for memorials to help with associated costs. Thank you for your consideration. There will be a memorial service at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at Zion Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls with Reverend Stan Satre officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Mary Jane’s family encourages attendees to wear jeans and a purple shirt in celebration of her favorite color and dislike of more formal attire. Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of arrangements.   Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com .