Celeste S. Hoffman

Celeste – a devoted wife, mother and grandmother – passed away peacefully in La Crosse, Wisconsin at her home at Bethany Riverside on Wednesday, September 19, 2018. Born the fourth child of Jeanne and Joseph Schwaller in Dabo, France, Celeste was the last surviving sibling amongst 10 children. She grew up in Luneville, France before immigrating to La Crosse in 1946. At a dance at the Avalon Ballroom, Celeste met John Hoffman, who she would go on to marry on Dec. 17, 1949. They remained devoted to each other for nearly 50 years before John’s passing on April 12, 1999. Celeste and John’s personalities blended well as they worked alongside each other in several small businesses during their married life in communities throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota – French Island, La Crescent, Houston, Burnsville, St. Peter, and Lewiston – before retiring to Onalaska in 1980.

Outside of work, Celeste’s two hobbies were knitting and bridge. She kept her loved ones well-stocked in booties, baby clothes, blankets & sweaters. Celeste looked forward to her numerous bridge club dates throughout the week. Celeste and John were also avid golfers, which they enjoyed well into retirement. In earlier years, she enjoyed entertaining their many friends and family, especially her fellow war brides from France and their spouses, who had formed a unique alliance.

Celeste loved to travel and would regale her loved ones with stories about the 27 countries she had visited. After retirement, she and John escaped the snow and spent many winters in Phoenix or Myrtle Beach. Every June, they would make their annual drive to Saskatchewan to visit their grandchildren, often bringing them back for extended summer visits in Wisconsin.

She is survived by her daughter Anita Rhodes and son-in-law Charles, three grandchildren Chris (Carrie) Rhodes, Derek (Heather) Rhodes, Veronica (Cam) Baker, and seven great-grandchildren—Harper& Madelyne Rhodes, Spencer, Chloe & Hayden Rhodes, and Joshua & Katelyn Baker all residing in Saskatoon, SK. Canada. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Donna Larson of Houston and numerous nieces and nephews, both in France and in the United States.

The family is grateful for the thoughtful care and love provided to Celeste during her years living at the Lighthouse at Bethany Riverside. We would also like to extend a special thank you to her nephew Bill Brockman and his wife Nancy for the considerable time and support they extended to Celeste throughout her later years.

Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. A memorial service will be held for Celeste on Tuesday, September 25 at 1:30 pm at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church at 1215 Redwood Street, Onalaska officiated by Pastor David Baumgarn. Light refreshments at the church will follow and interment later at Gardens of Peace Mausoleum, Mormon Coulee Road.