The sun has set on another beautiful life.
Susan “Sue” Irene (Boyd) Hoffman, aged 81, passed away on April 28, 2023, surrounded by her loving family at their cherished home since 1999, Lone Tree Farm, near Egan, SD.
Sue was born on March 26, 1942, at Madison, SD to J Ervin and Lucille Boyd. She attended school in Brookings, Egan and Mitchell, SD, graduating from Mitchell High School in 1960. She attended SDSU in Brookings from 1960-1962.
On August 19, 1962 Sue married George W. Hoffman at the Episcopal church in Mitchell, SD. She was employed in the office of the President of SDSU, Dr H.M. Briggs, until George obtained his degree in 1969. They moved to Menomonie, WI, for George’s employment. During their time Menomonie Sue enrolled in the Business Education program at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, graduating CUM LAUDE in 1974. The same year Sue secured a teaching position at Central High School, LaCrosse, WI, in the Business Education Dept. She taught typing, shorthand and was responsible for the Secretarial & Clerical Program. The family moved to rural West Salem on an acreage on County B the same year.
Teaching was her passion, 25 years at Central. Sue, notably, was a pioneer in introducing IBM computers to her classroom, the first in the district. She was very involved with young people, her classroom, FBLA {Future Business Leaders of America} program, cheer leader advisor, and the girls in the Secretarial/Clerical program.
Family was her life, her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were a great joy to her. She would make sure she created many fun activities and events for them and engaged with them at their level. Another favorite of Sue’s was to read a book to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and all that were there to listen whether cuddled up in a soft chair, kids’ bed, or a favorite corner. She was a self-proclaimed Pollyanna early in her life and always shared this “bright side of life” with everyone she came into contact with. A quote from the family LOG BOOK, “The farm is the happiest place in all anywhere when the grandchildren are here. Oh…and Grandma is thrilled to have enough dirty clothes to wash.” Sue initiated a series of get-togethers with nine of her Mitchell High School Classmates, Forever Friends, that has lasted for over 33 years. Sue was renowned, in the group, as the peace maker and a friend who consistently said and wrote the prefect thing at the perfect time.
In 1999 Sue and George bought and moved to her family fame, “Lone Tree Farm”, near Egan, SD. For many years Sue continued to loved teaching and sharing with school children as a substitute teacher in Flandreau, Colman/Egan and Dell Rapids schools. On August 19, 2022 Sue and George celebrated 60 years of love and happiness. Sue was a member of PEO Chapter X in Flandreau, SD, and a candidate for DAR of Betsy Hickok Chapter. She loved gardening, was an excellent seamstress, reading, book clubs, and having her family with her.
Sue survived by: her devoted husband George: daughter Peggy Sue (Jim) Korson; son Lee Wesley (Song) Hoffman; 10 Grandchildren: Stephen, Melinda Sue (Pat) Rohr, Kristin (Nathan) Lubinksi, Colin, Talya, Caleb, Micah, Gabe, James, and Alayna; three great grandchildren: Liam, Ella Sue, and Declan; three brothers: James (Jane), John (Linda), Tom (Lisa) Boyd; many nieces and families, nephews and families, friends and neighbors.
Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Ervin & Lucille Boyd, and sister Patty Ann.
Memorial services will be held on June 24, 2023, at St. Paul Episcopal Church 726 6th St. Brookings, SD 57006.
Sue’s wish: Memorials to be given to “Flandreau High School Senior Award” c/o PEO Chapter X, Donna Smith, 809 W 2nd Avenue, Flandreau, SD 57028. Sue’s family prefers no flowers or plants.
We will be celebrating with joy since Sue love the “bright side of Life”.
The Family Wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for the love, cards and prayers received during this difficult time.
Memorial services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on June 24, 2023, at St. Paul Episcopal Church 726 6th St. Brookings, SD 57006.