Karen Rae Hoffman

Karen R. Hoffman, age 71, of Kensington MN formerly of Hancock MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at Alomere Health in Alexandria.

A funeral service will be held at 11 AM, Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church in Hoffman with Pastor Bill Aufenkamp officiating. Music is provided by Debbi Anderson. Interment will take place at the Lakeside Cemetery in Hancock at a later date.

A visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Monday, Jul 17, 2023, at the Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Karen Rae Benson was born on January 7th, 1952, to Myron and Doris (Kampmeyer) Benson in Morris, MN. She was baptized on May 29th, 1952, and confirmed in faith on May 28th, 1967, at Our Redeemers Church in Hancock, MN. She attended and graduated from Hancock Public School on May 28th, 1970, and pursued her education in nursing, graduating as an RN from Lutheran Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing on June 9th, 1973. Karen completed nursing training at Petersburg Hospital in Virginia, Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and William Regional Treatment Center in Willmar, MN. She spent most of her career working at and eventually retired from the Villa of St. Francis in Morris, MN. She married her high school sweetheart, Gerald Hoffman, on July 29th, 1972, at Our Redeemers in Hancock, MN. From this union, their first and only child, Christopher Scott Hoffman, was born on June 20th, 1973, at Fort Lee, Virginia, while Gerald served in the Army. The family moved to Hancock, MN, in 1976, where they lived on the Hoffman family farm and owned and operated their apple orchard, Das Apfel Haus, which served many in the area. On July 1st, 1995, Karen and Gerald were blessed with their long-awaited daughter, Staci Kae Lanus, who later married their son, Chris, on their apple orchard. On February 14th, 1996 (Valentine’s Day), Karen and Gerald welcomed their first grandchild, Codi Scott, followed by Paige Isabelle on July 13th, 2000, and finally Hailey Leigh on May 8th, 2002. These three completed their small but deeply cherished family. Anyone who knew Karen would attest that Gerald, Chris, Staci, and their grandchildren were the light of her world. She did everything she could to be there for them with a gracious heart.  She was there for the grandchildren in all of their firsts and lasts and was highly involved in their lives. She would not have wanted it any other way, nor would they. Karen loved her morning coffee, baking, reading, serving her church, helping those in need, gardening, card parties, hosting holidays and parties, participating in Bible studies, and gathering with small groups of friends. She will be greatly missed, as she had a large circle of friends and family.

She is preceded in death by her parents; and sisters, Kathy and Wendy.

Karen is survived by her loving husband, Gerald Hoffman; son, Chris (Staci) Hoffman of Alexandria; grandchildren, Codi Hoffman of West Glacier, Montana; Paige (Timothy) Atwater of Alexandria; Hailey Hoffman of Alexandria; and siblings, Dennis (Jessie) Benson, Jan Anderson, and Sandy (Nick) Tierney; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Serving as honorary bearers will be Codi Hoffman, Paige & Timothy Atwater, Hailey Hoffman, and Jaydon Olilla.