Joan Kathryn Hoff, 93, of St. Charles died on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield.

Joan Hoff

Joan was born December 14, 1930, in Waukegan, IL to Melvin and Violet (Nelson) Johnson. She graduated from Central High School in Superior, WI in 1949. While in Superior, her mom married Alex “Pop” Kerecman. He became a huge part of Joan’s life. Joan worked for a brief time as a service representative for the Wisconsin Telephone Company. On October 18, 1952, she married her sweetheart, Lowell Hoff in Superior. They lived in Superior and Milwaukee until moving to St. Charles in 1969, when they purchased the Sellner Funeral Home of St. Charles and Rollingstone. This was the beginning of the family business, Hoff Funeral Home. Joan worked alongside Lowell, helping families in their time of need.

Joan was a member of the St. Charles United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and served as treasurer for several years, Eastern Star, Rochester Shrine Auxiliary, Winona County Homemakers, VFW Auxiliary, and the American Legion Auxiliary, as well as several other organizations throughout the years. Joan was proud of being a “stubborn Swede” and her Swedish Heritage. She and Lowell took many trips throughout the years, and after his death in 2002, she continued traveling by taking bus trips throughout the country.

Her family was her true pride and joy and she loved visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her three children: Lori (Gary) Nelson of Alden, Tim (Jenny) Hoff of St. Charles and Gary (Sue) Hoff of Rushford; twelve grandchildren: Aaron (Sue) Nelson, Trevor (Kristy) Nelson, Trent Nelson and Krystle (Bobby) Hutchinson; Ashley (Brandon) Czaplewski, Alyssa (Eric) Gardner, Danielle Hoff and Tyler (Emily) Hoff; Gretchen (James) Colbenson, Alex (Kourtney) Hoff, Nick Hoff (Fiancé, Kelly Jerviss) and Olivia Hoff (Jack Young); great-grandchildren: Connor, Jaiden, Ellie, Waylon, Brooks, Tessa, Haddie, Kate, Will, Arthur, Leni, Peter and Silas; as well as nieces and nephews and June Smith, who held a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lowell in 2002; infant twin daughters; parents; her two sisters: Gloria Wipfli and Virginia Johnson and longtime companion, Chuck Schweitzer.

Joan’s family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at Chosen Valley Care Center for the compassionate care they gave Joan over the last few years.

Funeral Service will be 11 a.m., Monday, January 15, 2024, at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service – St. Charles, led by funeral celebrant Jodi Heim. Visitation will be 3 – 7 p.m., Sunday and one hour prior to the service, all at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the St. Charles United Methodist Church, Healing Hearts Connection (healingheartsconnection.com) or the Special Olympics (support.specialolympics.org).

Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service – St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements. www.hofffuneral.com.