Deanna Hoffman Obituary Deanna "Dee" Hoffman passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family and the memories of a life well lived. Known for her bright smile and deep care for others, Dee touched the lives of many through teaching, faith, and family. Born on a farm near Appleton, MN to Tina and Vincent Stotts, Dee was the seventh of ten children and always treasured growing up in a home filled with music, teamwork, and laughter. She graduated from Appleton High School in 1955 and earned her degree in Elementary Education from St. Cloud State University. After teaching in St. Cloud, she married the love of her life, Bob Hoffman, on July 16, 1960. Together, they moved to Aitkin, MN and raised three children: John, Michelle, and Heidi. Dee paused her career to raise her young family, later returning to education by founding the Aitkin Childrens Center, the areas first preschool, also starting the Early Childhood Family Education program. Later she taught in Onamia and Brainerd until her retirement in 1998. Her passion for teaching was matched by her love for nurturing others, especially if you became the subject of one of her "projects"a term of endearment for the many ways she uplifted those around her. She and Bob, along with their family, enjoyed camping, road-tripping to national parks, exploring the Canadian Rockies, visiting Floridas coast, and annual trips to Lake Superiors north shore. They also built two homes together, with the second, in Brainerd, lovingly called the "House of Peace," where all were welcomed with open arms. When their grandchildren were old enough, they would also love to have them come for annual Grandma and Grandpa camp. Dee treasured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whether in person or by video, and delighted in their company. She loved gardening, sewing, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, learning bridge, writing stories, researching geneology and volunteering. If Dee knew you were in need, she found a way to helpwhether by giving a listening ear with some advice attached, providing school supplies for children, or volunteering her time or use of space in her home. Dee was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bob; son John; grandchildren Daniel Westvig and Andrew Motzko; and siblings Ione, June, Vernon, Carolyn, Donald, Shirley, and Roger. She is survived by sisters Betsy Carlin and Katy Trevis; children Michelle (Sherman) Westvig and Heidi (Greg) Motzko; grandchildren Megan (Christian) Baumeister, Bryan Motzko, Mason and Sadie (Nadgwick) Hoffman; adopted grandchildren Filip and Ina Vukasin; and great-grandchildren Juno Baumeister and Hadley Hoffman. A service celebrating Dees life will be held July 21 at 11 a.m. at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Baxter, MN, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Dee by donating to Bridges of Hope (www.bridgesofhopemn.org), caring for someone else with kindness, or planting a tree in remembrance of a life well-lived.