Bess Hoff

Bess A. Hoff, 97, long-time resident of Fergus Falls, passed peacefully on Sunday, July 23, 2017 at St. Therese of New Hope, MN.

Bess was born on July 20, 1920 in Staples, MN to Olaf and Stella (Williams) Johnson. Upon graduating from Staples High School and completing her training to be a teacher, Bess moved to the Fergus Falls area where she taught at the Aastad Country School. She met her future husband, Milt, at the Aastad Lutheran Church, where they were married on September 14, 1946

After teaching, Bess went on to hold various bookkeeping and administrative roles in Perham, Fergus Falls, and Bloomington. Bess and Milt were charter members of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Bloomington and Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. Bess participated in church choir, wedding ring circle, and bible study. She was also a member of Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW, Norwegian Choir, Card Clubs and Homemakers. Bess enjoyed reading, traveling, board games, walking, camping, and gardening; however, her greatest joy was her family.

Bess will be fondly remembered for her intelligence, her sarcastic wit, compassion, and her unwavering determination. Her tenacious “never give up” attitude held true to the very end.

Bess was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Milt; and her siblings Elmer, Myrtle, and Loretta. She is survived by her children, Tom (Karen) and Mary (Mark); her four grandchildren, Christine (32), Becca (30), Carolyn (30), and Anna (26); and her nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the funeral home
Service: 2 PM Friday, July 28, 2017 at Olson Funeral Home Chapel, Fergus Falls 711 Pebble Lake Road, Fergus Falls, MN
Clergy: Reverend Kate Bruns
Interment: Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery
Arrangements provided by the Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls

Online condolences may be sent to www.OlsonFuneralHome.com