Hofman, Justina Tschetter (1880-1952)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 Mar 6 p. 5

Birth date: 1880 Nov 17

text of obituary:

Died After Long Illness

Bridgewater, S. D. — Mrs. Christ. Hofman, 71, who had been bedfast for the last two years from a paralytic stroke, quietly passed away February 21.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Salem K.M.B. church with Rev. M. A. Kroeker in charge. The invocation was given by Rev. J. M. Tschetter of Huron, and German sermon by Rev. Kroeker of Marion. The English message was given by Rev. Jacob B. Hofer of Dolton, and committal at the grave by Rev. Tschetter. A men's quartet, Jacob H. Glanzer, Jacob H. Mendel, Mike Glanzer and Ed. Tschetter, sang appropriate numbers. Instead of flowers a memorial fund was raised, totaling $140.

Because of the snow blocked roads in North Dakota, Mrs. Ted Fisher came by plane from Ashley to attend her mother's funeral.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 Mar 6 p. 8

text of obituary:

MRS. CHRISTIAN HOFMAN

Sister Justina Hofman, daughter of Rev. Paul Tschetter and Maria Walter Tschetter, was born Nov.17, 1880, on a farm 10 miles southwest of Bridgewater, S. D.

She spent the years of her childhood in the parental home under the influence of Christian guidance and training. The district school provided her education. In the well-known snowstorm of Jan. 12, 1888, she was one of 13 pupils that remained in the schoolhouse for the night with their teacher, Paul Decker.

As a child she led a devout Christian life under the strict discipline of her parents. But that, to her, seemed inadequate. In 1904 a revival broke out in the Salem church and she found salvation. On May 22 of that year she with 31 others was baptized by Rev. Henry A. Wiebe and affiliated with the church.

As a church member she was loyal and served as Sunday School teacher for many years. As long as her health permitted she attended worship services regularly.

On December 7, 1905, she joined in the holy bonds of matrimony with Christian Hofman. Elder Dietrich Goosen performed the ceremony. They immediately settled on their own farm and established a Christian home. God blessed it with four sons and three daughters. One son, Jacob, died at the age of two years and six months.

In May 1933 they adopted a five year old orphan boy, Reiny [sic Rheiny], for whom she cared with a mother's love and devotion. She took care of her father during his last year when he was entirely helpless. Among others whom she cared for in her home, giving them love and attention, were the blind Sister Katherina Wollman, better known as "Kate Basel," and a lame uncle, Heinrich Walter.

She sacrifice much to give her children a Christian education and to see that they were established in desirable homes. During her lifetime she had the pleasant experience of seeing each one of her children find salvation in Christ.

On January 14, 1950, she had a severe paralytic stroke which left her in an entirely helpless condition. After being confined to the hospital in Mitchell for two weeks she was taken home and thereafter cared for by her husband and children. She often expressed the wish that God would relieve her of her sufferings and take her home to be with Him.

During the time of her sickness and suffering it brought her great joy when her many friends and relatives came to visit her.

Two weeks before her death she was brought to the home of her daughter Marie to be cared for. On Thursday, February 21, at 6:30 a.m. she had an attack of convulsions. Within a few moments she fell asleep to be with her Lord, relieved of all suffering and pain.

She attained an age of71 years, three months, and four days. For 46 years, two months and 14 days she shared the joys and sorrows of married life.

She leaves to mourn, her deeply bereaved husband and six children, Justina, Mrs. Jacob J. Kleinsasser, Bridgewater; Anna, Mrs. Ted Fisher, Ashley, N. D.; Marie, Mrs. Joe Math Hofer, Emery; Herbert, Freeman; David , Bridgewat4er; Joseph, Bridgewater; and one foster-son Rheiny; also three sons-in-law; seven grandchildren; three brothers, Jacob of Emery, Joseph of Chicago, and David of Bridgewater; one sister, Mrs. Barbara Stahl of Langham, Sask. One son, one brother, and two sisters preceded her ind eath.