Irene P. (Hofmann) Hoeltje

Irene P. (Hofmann) Hoeltje, age 99, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, July 9, 2021 at the Lutheran Hillside Village in Peoria. She was born on August 13, 1921 to George P. and Jennie I. Gauwitz in Peoria. She married Paul E. Hofmann on July 9, 1944. After his passing on November 16, 1978, she later married Theodore P. Hoeltje on July 16, 1983. He preceded her in death on June 18, 1999.

Irene enjoyed her youth on their family farm, which is now the site of Lutheran Hillside Village. She was a life-long member of Christ Lutheran Church and was an active member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) and the Senior Club. Irene led a steadfast life by exemplifying her strong faith in her Savior, Jesus, to her family and others. Many will remember her as a kind, giving and loving servant to her church, family, and friends.

Surviving Irene are her children Rolin (Debbie) Hofmann of Chillicothe, Linda (Joe) Couri of Peoria, and Dale (Conni) Hofmann of Peoria; five grandchildren, Alyssa (Chip) Short, Erik (Marianna) Evans, Jennie Engrissei, Jesse (Molly) Hofmann, Andy (Julie) Hofmann, along with nine great-grandchildren: Ethaan Engrissei, Cody Short, Aaden Engrissei, Elizabeth Short, Greyson Hofmann, Annabelle Hofmann, Natalie Hofmann, Nolan Hofmann, Staas Evans and several nieces and nephews. Also surviving are step-daughters Jeanne (Rick) Ballor of Alger MI, Jan (Keith) Cooper of Doylestown, PA and step-son Ted Hoeltje Jr. of Terlingue, TX, along with six step-grandchildren and ten step-great grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Andy Gauwitz, her sister Janet Grebe, step-grandson, Robert Haggerty, and great-grandson Ryne Hofmann.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Lutheran Hillside Village for their care of Irene over the past 4 ½ years.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 from 4-7 p.m. at Davidson-Fulton Woodland Chapel. Visitation will resume at Christ Lutheran Church on Thursday July 15, 2021, starting at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Karl Eckhoff will officiate. Burial will follow the service at Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria.

Memorials may be made in Irene’s name to Christ Lutheran Church.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.davison-fulton.com.