Sigrid Stoufer

1948 - 2021

Sigrid Stoufer, 73, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2021, in Fort Myers, Florida, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother. Throughout her life, Sigrid remained a nurturing sister and a steadfast friend to those lucky enough to call her friend. She was born to Walter and Ilse Wolff on November 13, 1948, in Wolfenbüttel, Germany. She and her family immigrated to Council Bluffs, Iowa, when she was in elementary school. Because she did not speak English, Sigrid was placed in the kindergarten class. This motivated her to learn the language quickly, enabling her to advance to her age appropriate grade. To avoid being teased, she spent many hours practicing in front of a mirror until she could speak perfect English without a German accent. She never lost her connection to Germany and traveled there often to visit relatives. Sigrid is survived by her husband Richard, her two sons, Bill (Gina) and Brian (Angie), her grandchildren, Mason, Riley, Nathan, and Drew, her brother George Wolff, and her sister Kathy Wolff-Tech (Mark). After graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1968, she delayed further education for herself so she could support her husband through his college years. She didn't need a formal education to be one smart lady. She was self-taught and diligently studied everything she needed to know. Sigrid and her husband Richard were married for 54 years. He describes her as the "wind beneath his wings". She was a true partner and helpmate in every endeavor, whether as his front person in his accounting and banking careers, his assistant in the rental-home business, or as hostess at social affairs. She had the ability to be covered in paint and dust during the day, go home to clean up, and be dressed for the evening as the elegant lady she was. She devoted countless hours of service to the community through the Council Bluffs Service League, PEO, and the First Congregational Church. Sigrid was a longtime Sunday school teacher impacting the lives of many children. Although she was small in stature, her strength was mighty as evidenced by her prowess in bowling, golf, and arm wrestling. She also enjoyed playing bridge, reading, music, dancing, and beachcombing. She loved spending the winters in Florida with her many friends at The Forest in Fort Myers. Her love of life was evident in the way she lived. She never met a stranger and enlivened any occasion with her warm smile and signature laugh. She touched many lives and made all she encountered feel important and special. She will always be remembered and missed by all who were fortunate to know her. Memorials requested to Hope Hospice, 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908, A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.