Lona Hoff

LONA'S FUNERAL
Lona Hoff, 63, Eureka, SD, died Friday, December 1, 2023 at the Eureka Community Hospital.
Lona Jane Mutschler, daughter of Ruth (Rau) and Marvin Mutschler, was born July 14, 1960 at the Eureka Community Hospital. She was brought up on a farm three miles west and 1 ½ miles north of Eureka. She attended the Eureka Public School (EHS Class of 1978) and went on to earn an associate degree in business administration from Northern State College in Aberdeen, SD. Lona took employment at the Aberdeen American News in the circulation department. Lona married Greg Hoff on September 9, 1989 at Zion Lutheran in Eureka. They settled in Eureka where Lona lived the rest of her life. She was employed as a manager at Daybreak in Eureka. When that was purchased by Ultimate Direction, she continued as a manager. She was also employed as a Pharmacy Tech at Eureka Vilas Pharmacy and had been Zion's church secretary. At the time of her passing, Lona owned and operated Dakota Shoe and Sew, was bookkeeper for Dakota Woodworking, and was the Church treasurer. She was a faithful member of Zion American Lutheran Church and taught Sunday school. She was deeply involved in the Eureka community having served on the Quasi Celebration Committee in 2012, actively solicited funds for Eureka's new hospital, was active in the Eureka Community Development Corporation, served on the Schmeckfest Committee, and was involved in Eureka Housing Development. Lona's pastimes included collecting Pepsi memorabilia, maintaining her ever expanding Christmas Village and snowman collection, cooking (her chicken noodle soup was a family favorite), and sewing. Lona's love of sewing started in Home Ec. Class. She would sew her own clothes and did sewing alterations for others, including bridesmaid dresses. She enjoyed going to craft shows, rummage sales, and online shopping to find the best gifts and deals. Lona loved the summer months, tending to her vegetable garden and planting flowers everywhere. She also found pleasure in farming. She enjoyed helping Jeremy sort and move cattle, and rake hay. Lona's beverage of choice was Pepsi and she loved fried chicken! Lona would take the time to talk to anyone. She valued her friendships. However, most important to Lona was the time she spent with her grandchildren and taking care of them, as she was known as 'Grandma Daycare'.
Lona's funeral will be livestreamed at the Lien Family Funeral Care Facebook page.
Lona is survived by her mother, Ruth, of Eureka; Greg, her husband of 34 years; one son, Jeremy (Brittany) Hoff of Eureka; one brother, Kervin Mutschler of Falcon, CO; two sisters-Sherrie Mutschler of Aberdeen and Karen Mutschler of Eureka; sister-in-law, Debra Thelen of Alexandria, SD; and three grandchildren- Jerimany, Harlow, and Harper.
She was preceded in death by her father, Marvin, on May 8, 1999; and an infant granddaughter, Hazel.
Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Zion American Lutheran Church, Eureka, led by Pastor Ryan Gage. Interment follows at the Church Cemetery. Vocalists Dennis and Margie Walker will sing a medley of "What A Friend We have in Jesus" and "Nearer, My God to Thee". Organist will be Ronda Lapp and the congregation will sing "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Jesus Loves Me". Ushers will be Kevin Hoff and Dennis Schwingler.
There will be a prayer service at Lien-Straub-Carlsen Chapel 7:00 PM Friday with visitation commencing 5:00 PM.
Honorary bearers will be Lona's grandchildren; all of Lona's cousins; the EHS Class of 1978; Lori Boschee, Wanda Jundt, Deb Erickson, Bobbi Ottenbacher, and Jacalyn Eberhart; and her nieces, Amber and Andrea Thelen.
Casketbearers will be Clyde Ottenbacher and Bradley Neuharth of Eureka; Dennis Thelen of Alexandria; Bryan Kegler of Sioux Falls, SD; Scott Mutschler of Pierre, SD; and Ruben Lapp of Redfield, SD.
Services are in care of Lien-Straub-Carlsen Chapel, Eureka.