Marion Mae (Ristow) Hoffmann (age 88), of Sycamore, IL passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2020 at home.  Marion was born on April 26, 1931 in Winona, MN, only child of Edward and Eleanor (Zenke) Ristow. Her father died when she was two. She graduated from Winona High School in 1949. She met a young man who was studying to be a Lutheran pastor as he vicared at her home church. This began a relationship that was blessed in marriage on June 22, 1952. Marion was a loving and essential part of Don's ministry, as they served congregations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. She gave birth to two children, Gregory and Holly.

Marion enjoyed a bigger than life attitude and love for her family. She was a fabulous cook, hosting many dinner parties, wild game feeds and regular family feasts. Her home was her castle, her kitchen her heart and a loving sanctuary to everyone. She also sang in the church choir, conducted children's choirs and involved in mission and ministry organizations. Marion was a seamstress, worked at a women's boutique, managed a pizza restaurant, and served up donuts. She also enjoyed going antelope and deer hunting; being able to hunt with her son and grandson. In their home in Lena, she spent much time caring for the flower beds and garden.

She and Don camped throughout the country, enjoyed Caribbean and Alaskan cruises, and always visits to and from her family. In December of 2016, Don was called home to heaven. Because of her physical and mental weakness, she went on to live at a memory care facility in Sycamore, IL, where she was content and called it home. Sadly, in April of 2017 daughter, Holly, was taken suddenly to enter eternal life. Now, with joy and celebration she has joined her loved ones to share the blessings and promises of her Savior Jesus Christ in the peace and glory of heaven.

Those who still carry out her legacy of love here are son, Gregory (Tina) Hoffmann of Rochelle; grandchildren: Jason (Shelby) Hoffmann of Green Bay, WI, Sara (Kyle) Compton of Waukesha, WI, David (Jessica) Hoffmann of Luxemberg, WI, Eric Hoffmann of Madison, WI, Ashley Hoffmann of Rochelle, Brandon (Amber) Hoffmann of Chadwick, IL and Caitlyn Hoffmann of Rochelle. Also "grams" to her beloved great-grandchildren: Ashlee Hoffmann, Hunter Hoffmann, Zoey Hoffmann and Olive Hoffmann of Green Bay, Charlotte and Brooklyn Compton of Waukesha, Jaxon and Tate Hoffmann of Luxemberg, Arianna Hoffmann of Green Bay, Wesley and Hailey Hoffmann of Chadwick; and also great-granddaughter, Claire Hoffmann of Rochelle.

A funeral service will be conducted at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Rochelle on April 14, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. This will be a private family service, while others may participate by following the live stream on the Unger-Horner Funeral Home Facebook page.

Memorials in Marion's name and honor can be sent to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1415 10th Ave., Rochelle, IL 61068.