Michelle Benson and Julia Grace Hoffman

So Blessed & grateful for the time we had you ~ Happy Birthday, Michelle. 2017

Dear Mike and Boys,
Thinking of you all and praying for peace and comfort for you..........today is a day that requires you to reflect, cherish memories and hug one another and let each other know how much you love them. I know it has been 1 year since losing so many loved ones....Please know that we continue to pray for you and the boys each and every day.

Love,
Michele, Don and Ryan

Dear Hoffman Family,It has been a year since Michelle,Julia and your mom were taken to be with our Lord! They are not forgotten and are in our prayers each day! May God Bless you all.
A neighbor and Friend of Carrie.
Maureen Tegmeier

I was a friend of Michelle's many years ago, and was happy to see she found joy in life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family for this terrible loss. I pray that you can again find happiness in life and know that Michelle, Julia, and your mother are in heaven.

Sincerely,

Reflecting on my families friendship with Mike, Michelle and all the kids the other day then I looked at the last text message I received form Michelle after the Hoffman's visit to the Roeser amphitheater, “Thank you!! We really miss you guys too and look forward to spending time with you. I was telling Mike last night the we are all life long friends;)” We are life long friends and we miss you and Julia dearly.

As always our thoughts and prayers are with Mike, Jenna, Jake, Joey and Jason, we love you guys.

we are sorry for the lost of Michelle and Julia.
Mr Hoffman our prayers for you to stay strong for your boys.

Joey, i'm so sad that your mom, sister , and grandma died and you must be really sad and having a tough time. We think of you and hope that your family is alright. We hope you're alright.

Joey, you brought so much joy to my son, Derek. You may not know just how much you were missed here when you went over to Oman. I am so very happy for you that you have that incredible, life changing adventure with your whole family. An amazing adventure. I see your Mom's smile in you. The women in your life are not ever far away, know that. They will never abandon you. You can't hold them, but you can talk to them anytime - they will hear you. Trust that. God bless you and bring you His peace.

We are very sorry for your loss.We are thinking of you and continue to pray for you and your wonderful family.

I knew you as a child, Mike, when I worked for your dad and uncles in Atwater in the early 70's. I also knew your mother.
I am so sorry for your loss. Thank God that you have Him in your life as you go through these difficult days. There are no words to take away the pain. May knowing that so many people care and love you help you cope. As in the story of "Footprints in the Sand", let God carry you when it is too painful to hold yourself up.

Mike,
Sincere and heartfelt sympathy to you and your boys during this tragic and difficult time.
Sincerely,
Sue Smith

speechless...both my kids and i loved Michelle...our eyes were searching for u in ur classroom today.may your souls rest in peace... we will be missing you ...xoxoxoxo

Dear Mike, sorry for all the pain that you are experiencing at this time. May God comfort you and your family.

Zulfa (Muscat)

Dear Mike,
May God bless you and give you enough strength and comfort to go ahead in life. Ms. Michelle and Julia will be missed by all of us in the Jagwani familly.

Dear Mike and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts. Matt Jones,Skip Jones, Mary Murphy

I wish my daughter were able to put into words how much she loves, adores and misses her teacher Michelle. Like everyone who met Michelle, our days were brightened by her smile and love of life. Our prayers are with her friends and family.

Dear families of Michelle & Julia,
Your lives were blessed, by the presence of three wonderful people despite for a cruelly short time. May you find comfort in memories and in the knowledge, that they are in a better place and are watching over you. You are in our thoughts & prayers.

Dear Mike, boys and family. May the Lord God cradle you gently in his hands and may the Holy Spirit surround you and give you constant comfort. Michelle and Julia are always with you. God Bless you and keep you and make his face to shine upon you now and always.

-Dan, Katy, Grace, Nicholas and Amelia Pattarini

Dear Mike, Jake, Joey and Jason, our prayers are with you at this tragic time.

Clodagh, Lulu, Laith and Sami Al Abri (Oman)

We love you and miss you. Michelle, words cannot capture how grateful we are for all that you did for Caleb. Having you for his teacher and our friend/colleague is a blessing we will forever cherish. Thank you for inspiring us to live fully, faith-filled, and balanced with constant positive energy. All of us at TAISM extend our deepest care to Mike and the boys.

Dear Hoffman family,We are keeping you all in our prayers each night.I am a neighbor and friend of Michelle's sister and feel so much saddness for everyone!You are loved by many!!! God Bless you all!

Dear Mike, Jake, Joey, and Jason,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Michelle and Julia were such positive and vibrant individuals. We are better people having known them. Please know we are here for you as part of your TAISM family. Sending prayers of comfort and peace during this most difficult time.

dear mike and family.

my heart goes out to you and your children. i know the pain that your going through just know that it will get better as time goes on. may our father keep his arms wrapped around you and the family in this time of greif. althought i dont know any of you personnaly, my heart, love, and prayers are with you all.

God bless you and your children.
Tatika Taylor and family

Dear Mike, Jake, Joe and Jason

We are saddened beyond words about this tragedy and cry with you these days. We are thankful for the memories we have of Michelle and Julia and are inspired by the way you all live your lives, both at school and at AWANA. May the Lord be with you during this difficult time.

Dear Mike,Joey,Jake and Jason,
We were heartbroken for your family when we heard of the loss of Michelle, Julia and your Mother (Grandmother). May their memories comfort you as you move into the days, weeks, months and years ahead. As long as they are in your hearts, they are never far away. Blessings of peace to you all,
Mark, Kimm and Raelin Karstens

Hoffman Family, Mike, you were my son's 5th grade teacher at Scenic Heights and his favorite teacher of all time. I am so sorry for your loss. Your family has touched so many lives. May you find peace in knowing that the girls are in heaven watching down on you and your boys. It is hard to imagine why bad things happen to good people, may you trust in God, that he has a purpose. God Bless you and may he keep his loving arms around you, to keep you strong.

Dear Family,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I can only imagine how hard this is for you. God knows your sorrow, and in the midst of all your pain, He is there for you.
Blessings, Sue McPherson

Two beautiful lives which have gone too early. Simply wonderful, people who always lightened up a room with their smiles and warmth.As a family we will cherish the memories of camping trips, times at TAISM and evenings together. To Mike and the boys - we are here when you need us. xx

We are sending our thoughts and prayers to the Benson & Hoffman family. Our daughter, Rania, was in Michelle's classroom this past year at TAISM. We are honored to have met Michelle, and get to know her this past year. She was always smiling and had a positive outlook on everything. She was so caring to all the kids! We will never forget her!
We spent a short time with Michelle and her family this past summer and saw Michelle's smile and kindness in Julia, as she shared her toys with my daughter.
Hold tight to memories for comfort,
and always remember how much you are cared about.
Frannie, Taimur, Rania, and Gabrielle

A mother's love is eternal just like this flame.

Your family is in our prayers. I can't begin to fathom the pain of losing a spouse and child and parent but I know that God will be right with you and your family. He will comfort, protect and guide your family in this time of great loss. Michelle and Julia have a beauty beyond most. The love of Christ shone through them and they will be greatly missed in this world.

Dearest Benson and Hoffman Families, our family had the honor of meeting Michelle and Julia at TAISM, Oman. Michelle was our daughter's Kindergarten teacher in 2010 and a recess friend of Julia's. Their spark and joy for life was present EVERY day. Their laughter was the kind that begged you to join in. A sweet memory we share with them is a fairy garden Michelle suggested we start as a literacy tool. Her eves sparkled telling me how Julia and "her fairy"
would write notes back and forth lovingly. Our own fairies were born of this bond and Michelle's love for her students. We will remember these angels always and are better people for having been graced by their spirits. We pray for your families healing and strength. God Bless you all.

May you find strength in the love of family and in the warm embrace of friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all...

Marsha,Wayne,Michael and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.I will never forget Michelle growing up and the good times Lynda(of blessed memory) and I spent with her. May G-d comfort those who mourn in the house of Zion and Jerusalem.

Know you are in our prayers. Michelle's smile lives in Joey's, that we know.

My thoughts are with you all... Such a tragicdy... Praying for ya'll

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you Mike, Jake, Joey and Jason - wishing for you moments of peace and clarity in times to come.
Peace and love,
Martha and Paul, Simon, Ben, Quinn Lehman

Wishing strength to the whole extended family. My heart will be there with you, even if I can't.

Dear Mike and Family,
Please add me to the long list of people who care and are lifting you all up in prayer. I used to work at Scenic Heights at the office and remember your kindness. Praying for your comfort and strength throughout this incredibly difficult time.
God bless you and hold you so close,
Suzy Campbell & Family

To the families of Michelle and Julia Hoffman, my deepest sympathy is with each and everyone of you. May your sorrow fade with time and wonderful memories last forever.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this difficult time.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to know your lovely daughter Julia through her piano lessons with me. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences. I hope you find comfort and strength in your family and friends and faith.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, may God lift you up in your time of need. God bless,

Marie Scheider/ First Choice Repair

We share your grief from Stavanger, Norway. Our little Eleni was blessed with having Michelle as her class teacher last year and we all appreciated the fun-loving and generous woman she was. Mike, we think about you and hope you have the support system and love you'll need in the time to come. We hold your wonderful family in our hearts. Very warm thoughts, Ingunn and family

We cannot know your loss. May God provide you comfort at such a time as this. He gave a Son & Holy Spirit to be with you at all times.

Wanye,
So very sorry for your lost. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Wayne and Mike and boys
we are completely devastated hearing about this tragic loss and praying constantly for you all. We also pray the boys can stay near family now to love them and help heal. God bless you all, we are so so sorry.

Dear Benson-Hoffman family,
you do not know me but I wanted to send my deepest condolences, what a huge loss for your family. Words dont say enough. Know that there are a lot of people thinking about you right now.
My god get you through this horrible time
bkd
Minneapolis, MN

Dear Mike,

My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Please accept my condolences. Michelle and Julia are in my prayers.

Emilia Belinfante

Our thoughts and prayers are with all their family and friends but in a special way with Jake. We were blessed to meet the whole family in Muscat Oman where our daughter Sathya was a classmate and friend to Jake. May you always celebrate their lives and keep these memories to comfort you.

Marcia-Gene,
Those who know you share your grief and offer our love and friendship. We want you both to know we're here to do what we can, when we can and offer our confort now and forever more.
Anne-Steve Hoffman
Sharon-Vince DiBenedetto

Thinking and praying for this wonderful family that is dealing with the loss of such beautiful people. May God provide comfort and strength and help you to remember all the wonderful moments of their lives. You will continue to remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Michelle's upbeat personality and generous spirit had such an impact on everyone at TAISM. We will remember her as a person who was grateful every day. Julia always reminded us of a smaller version of Michelle - another joyful spirit. Our thoughts and prayers remain with all of you as you grieve.

Dear Julia,
I am very glad and honored that I had the chance to know such a wonderful, polite, sweet, helpful and joyful girl like you. You are our angel in heaven. I will always cherish your memories in my heart. May your soul rest in peace
Jason EL Helou
TAISM School

Dear Mike,Joey,Jake and Jason,
We are so sorry for your loss. We grieve with you and pray for God to comfort you and lend you support at this time of grief and loss. Michelle and Julia's memory will always be treasured and their lives celebrated. We feel so blessed to have had them in our lives even for a short time.
With Deepest Sympathy and Condolences.
Karen,Elias,Ethan,Katie and Aiden

Mike,
I'm saddened to hear of your loss and hope you can find the strength and comfort needed at this time. Hug your boys a little tighter.

Having only met Michelle a few times through her friendship with my sister, I didn't know her well. However, she was obviously so genuinely nice and caring. She left so many behind that are deeply grieving, even as they celebrate her life. Will pray for her family and friends during this time, that God may grant them His peace.

Our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Matt - Wayzata Class of 1990

Dear Mike,
I am terribly sorry for your loss. Praying for the God of all comfort to heal the pain of this terrible loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers, and especially Jason,who has been in my Sunday School class at PCO.
In Christ
Vanita Telgote

I am so sorry for your loss...My heart aches for you I have heard amazing testomonies of Michelle,and about the beautiful smile of lil angel Julia...there now in a beautiful place and walking with the King..and wow to hear a choir of angels sing...that.. we can only imagine..thoughts and prayers are with you all..May God wrap His loving arms around you and give you all comfort and peace...R.I.P Machelle,& Julie ~~~see you later

Mike ...
Your family is in my prayers. The beautiful smiles of your wife, daughter and mother speak to the beauty of their souls. May they find peace in God's presence and may you and your sons feel the support of family and friends. Your time since Belle Plaine Schools has been spent creating amazing memories with your family. May those memories comfort and support you in the days ahead.

You were both beautiful people and now you are beautiful angels. Bless you and your family.

Mike,
Deepest sympathy to you and your family as you grieve the loss of a beautiful & loving wife and daughter as well as your mom. Thoughts and prayers to you all and may God grant you comfort, peace and strength through him and also through family and friends in the days & weeks ahead.

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Although we did not know Michelle and Julia well, we felt we did through our friendship with Wayne and Christie. Whenever spending time with the Bensons, the room would light up when they spoke of thier family. They are the WORLD to them. Just recently trying to schedule a get together they said"let's wait until September, We don't want to miss one minute of our daughter's visit" This is a precious family and a tragic loss. We can't imagine the hurt they are feeling. With Deepest Sympathy,
Marty and Kimberly Scheerer

Benson and Hoffman families, I am so sorry for the tragic loss you have endured. I know how much love and caring is in your families. Surround yourself with that love and the many memories you have. Please know that love and prayers are being sent your way.

Mike and family there are no words to express how saddened we are about your great loss. We pray that Gods loving embrace carries you and guides you through this very difficult time.

Although we did not know Michelle and Julia well- we felt we did through our friendship with Wayne and Christie.
Whenever spending time with the Bensons , the room would light up when they spoke of thier family. Their family is the WORLD to them. Just recently trying to schedule a get together they said " lets wait until September, We don't want to miss one minute of our daughters visit" This is a precious family and a tragic loss. We can't imagine the hurt they are feeling. We are hurting too, and anyone that knows this beautiful family is hurting.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Hoffman family.

Mr.Hoffman and family, our daughter Marie was in your 4th grade class at Scenic Heights..she is now 20. Our family is deeply sorry for this terrible, senseless loss. You are in our hearts.

While I didn't know Michelle or Julia, I am saddened by their untimely deaths. Our hearts go out to you and your family and we hope you are able to find peace knowing they are in Heaven.

Wayne and Christi:

We are so sad for your loss. You and your entire family are in our prayers.

God Bless

We send our thoughts and prayers to all of you during this very difficult time.
With love,

Mike and family, We have said many prayers for you and your boys. We are so sorry for your loss. Know that you and your family are cared for by so many people. Carolyn and Jim Zachariason, Andy, Jenny and Sarah

My most sincere condolences on such a tragic loss. May the comfort of God's love hold you steadfast during this time of anguish and grief.

Dear Mike and boys, Your Michelle and Julia were such wonderful friends to my daughter Cheyenne and Jordan. Our hearts break for your family. May God's Grace and Love support you in the days to come.

Mike even though you and I have never met..My heart goes out to you..and to your whole family.
If the people we love are stolen from us, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them. ~The Crow, written by James O'Barr, David J. Schow, and John Shirley, 1994

Mike
Pam and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

You and your family are in our thoughts during this sad time. Your friends and former colleagues from Belle Plaine Elementary School express their deepest sympathies to you.

Dear Mike,
I am holding you in my heart and lifting you all up in prayer. I am so sorry. With love, Kelly Pederson

I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.

Mike, please know that your family is in our thoughts and we pray that God will give you all comfort, peace and strength.

One does not need to know your family to grieve your loss, God bless you all and know that many are thinking of your family.

We are so very sorry for your loss. As Christians we know that Michelle and Julia are with Jesus right now but the heartache is still so very bitter and real. We are praying for strength, comfort, and God's peace through this time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories together bring you some comfort during this difficult time. I have very warm memories of Michelle as a DZ at SCSU. Her kindness and sincerity will always be remembered.

We are so sorry for your loss. We will always remember Michelle and Julia.

I know God is blessing these two Angels with all of his glory! My love and comfort to those they left behind!

"I can't believe this is the last newsletter of the
year. I'm not ready to say “goodbye” to this
amazing class. I guess I will just have to say “see
you next fall”. " These were Ms Michelle's words in the last newsletter of the academic year for EC1. We can only say you were an amazing teacher and woman. We were so lucky Michelle was part of our kids' life. Julia's angelic smile will always be in the minds of her classmates and everyone who knew her.

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

I am so sorry for your loss Idon't knoww you personally but My heart breaks for your family and want you to no that I am praying for you and your boys at this most difficult time in your lifes.God give you the strength to get threw each day as it comes.

We grieve this loss so deeply, and are grateful for the loving way Ms. Michelle guided our son in her class, shaping him in subtle, positive ways that I see every day. We miss you, and our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief and sorrow. There are three more angels in heaven.

Mike we are thinking about you at this very difficult time we wish the best for you and your family and continue to pray for you and your wonderful family.

More angels were needed in heaven-That's the only way to explain why things like this happen to good people. I did not know your family, but pray for you and your family.
Remember the special memories,watch for a few butterflys to come by you. They will be there watching over you..
God bless you. Many are praying for you.

My heart goes out to you Mike, we are deeply saddened by your loss we are praying for you and your family.