Elise Johnson-Hoffman

1920 - 2023

Elise Johnson-Hoffman
October 17, 1920 - November 28, 2023
Elise grew up in the small farm town of Dawson, Minnesota, a place she never stopped loving. She spent two blissful years at Macalester College dancing to big bands and making lifelong friends. When World War II swept up her generation, she married local boy Gerry Johnson. She was waiting for him in Los Angeles with their first daughter when he returned from Army service in the Pacific.
Elise and Gerry left the Midwest for suburban California in 1953, settling in Redwood City and raising four children. They were active in Redeemer Lutheran Church and in their community. Elise served 1963-73 on the Redwood City School Board; then for two terms she was the first woman to sit on the Redwood City Planning Commission. She was also known as a wonderful cook and gracious hostess to their many friends and visiting relatives.
From 1966-85 Elise enjoyed working at Stanford University. She also began decades of traveling the world. After Gerry died and five years as a widow, Elise married Robert Hoffman on her 79th birthday. They were blessed with many happy years together.
Elise brought warmth and a big smile into every room, putting people at ease. She brought dinners to the sick and bereaved. She loved helping to raise her grandchildren. Elise could make a speech and tell a joke. She dressed with style, in high heels.
Elise slipped peacefully away at age 103. She is survived by four children, Candice Applegate, Julie McDonald, Jeb Johnson and Chris Johnson; five grandsons, their many spouses; and eight great-grandchildren. She will return to Dawson, Minnesota, for burial.