Helen Louise Hoffmann

Helen L. Hoffmann, 96, of Evansville, passed away Monday, June 13, 2011, with her family around her. She was born November 16, 1914, in Posey County, the daughter of Elizabeth (nee Schneider) and Martin Winternheimer. Also preceding her in death was her husband of 42 years, Leonard in 1981, a brother Herbert Winternheimer in 1989, and a sister, Stella Uebinger in 2002.

Helen married Leonard Hoffmann at St. Matthews on November 12, 1938 in Evansville. She was a graduate of Central High School class of 1932. Her first job was at Bernardin Bottle Cap Company. After marrying, she and her husband owned and operated a corner neighborhood grocery on Allen’s Lane, “Hoffmann’s”, for 27 years. All the customers were like one big family of friends, you knew all about their lives and saw them often daily. After they retired, they lived on the Westside of Evansville and Helen enjoyed their orchard, dogs, neighbors, and family. She enjoyed feeding and watching birds from countless bird feeders including the one on her kitchen windowsill that looked out over her backyard and orchard. Her spirit and love for family and friends was inspirational and always full of laughter. Helen warmly regarded her close friends and former neighbors, the Ruble’s, as her family. She thought of Tom and Liz as her children and their children, Abby and Matt as her grandchildren, who called her Grandma.

Helen was confirmed in 1928 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ on Michigan Street and remained a lifetime member. She was a member of St. Paul’s Ladies Aid.

After her husband’s death, she was a Pink Lady at Deaconess Hospital and a member of the Helping Hand.

She is survived by a sister, Anna Mae Winternheimer; nieces, Marie Rayoum of Evansville, Nancy Barnett and husband, Robert of Indianapolis, and Cindy Warren and husband, Mark of Boonville, IN, nephew, Jack Winternheimer of Evansville, five great nieces; three great nephews; ten great great nieces; six great great nephews; and one great great great nephew.

Services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, June 15, 2011, at Alexander West Chapel, officiated by Rev. Lynn Marino, with burial in Alexander Memorial Park. Friends may visit Tuesday from 3:00 to 7:00 PM and Wednesday from 9:00 AM until service time at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s UCC, 2227 W. Michigan St., Evansville, IN 47712.