WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Elsie Marie Hoffner, 77, a longtime resident of Bessemer, passed away Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield.

She was born to John William and Mary Johanna (Mattson) Kivi on July 18, 1935, and was raised in Erwin Township. Elsie graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1953.


On July 2, 1955, she was united in marriage to Kenneth R. Hoffner in Ironwood.


Elsie was a longtime member of Sharon Lutheran Church in Bessemer, its circles and quilters group.

She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, baking, gardening, canning, playing cards, playing the piano, attending concerts and cheering on her children's and grandchildren's sporting events.

Elsie was employed as a secretary at Washington School in Bessemer.

After retiring, Elsie loved visiting her children, grandchildren and other relatives in various states.


Elsie is survived by four daughters, Brenda (Mark) Mattson, Fairbanks, Alaska, Carole (Bob) Chiapuzio, Douglas, Wyo., Barbara Hoffner, Bloomington, Minn., and Mary Beth (Jim) Trudgeon, Bessemer; seven grandchildren, Rose and Hannah Mattson and Matthew, Daniel, Sarah, Nicholas and Thomas Trudgeon; two sisters-in-law, Joyce Kivi, Minocqua, Wis., and Joanne Hoffner, Gwinn; numerous nieces and nephews; and several cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kenneth, on June 18, 1988; and her brother, George Kivi.


Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Oct. 17, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at Sharon Lutheran Church in Bessemer, with the Rev. Gerald L. Anderson officiating.

Burial will take place in Hillcrest Cemetery, Bessemer.

Lunch will be served in the Kastman Hall of Sharon Lutheran Church following the cemetery service.

Lakeside Memorial Chapel of Wakefield is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.