Elaine Esther (Liikanen) Hoff

WAKEFIELD, Mich. — Elaine Esther (Liikanen) Hoff, 87, a longtime resident of Bessemer and Wakefield, passed away Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. She was surrounded by loved ones and dear family members who cared for her faithfully.

Elaine was born on Sept. 14, 1931, in Bessemer Township, a daughter of August and Esther (Leppela) Liikanen. She arrived just a few minutes before her twin brother, Alvin. Growing up in Ramsay and Bessemer, Elaine graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer.

After graduation, she moved to Milwaukee and worked at Briggs and Stratton and various other jobs. There she met and married Carl Hoff, who was serving his country in the U.S. Navy. Carl, Elaine and their family were stationed in many places, including Hawaii, Key West and Connecticut, and eventually settled in rural West Virginia.

Elaine was a supportive wife, keeping the home base while Carl was away on tours of duty or occupied in business.

She returned to Bessemer in 1987 to be closer to her dear mother. Elaine had many jobs over the years, but the one that she was most proud of was the Ottawa National Forest Senior Program. She retired in 2001.

Elaine was a hard worker and active member of the Lutheran church, which always gave her a great deal of pleasure. She will be missed by her church family. Elaine always had a candlelit in her front window, welcoming anyone in need.

Elaine had two siblings, Alvin (Barbara) and Gloria (Carl) Erickson. Her close friend and companion in life was Lindy Allen. They loved to dance together, especially the polka. They spent a lot of time at Little Finland. She also had a dear friend and confidant in her sister-in-law, Sandra Hoff. Her loyal and beloved sister-in-law, Barb Liikanen, was an enormous help.

Elaine and Carl had eight children, Cathy (David) Ridenour, Dale (Cindy) Hoff, Gordon (Cheri) Hoff, Janet (Joe) Skeens, Sara (Robert) Davidson, Nancy Hoff, John Hoff and James (Chris) Hoff. She was blessed with 13 grandchildren, Amanda, Sharon, Nathaniel, Cyrus, Andrew, Emily, Caleb, Daniel, Elizabeth, Jael, Philip, Matthew and Aaron and many great-grandchildren; and numerous dear nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by three children, Cathy, Nancy and John; her sister and brother-in-law, Gloria and Carl; and close friend and companion, Lindy Allen.

We sure will miss you mama chick and tumbleweed.

A funeral service will be held Friday, Feb. 8, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Timothy J. Steckling officiating.

A luncheon will be served at the church fellowship hall following the service.

A committal service and interment will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery, Bessemer, in the spring.

Expressions of affection in a charitable contribution in Elaine’s memory are suggested in lieu of flowers to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, E8223 Sanders Road, Bessemer, MI 49911.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.