Obituary of Beulah Hoffer

Beulah G. Hoffer Former Longtime Resident of Joliet, Illinois Beulah G. Hoffer, age 101, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at The Fountains of Crystal Lake, in Crystal Lake, IL. Born Beulah Albertina Green on July 03, 1912, in Joliet, IL. She was the daughter of the late Harlow B. and Jennie L. (nee Larson) Green. Beulah was a resident of Crystal Lake, IL and a former longtime resident of Joliet, IL. She graduated from Joliet Township High School and attended Joliet Junior College. She was the 1st junior college transfer student accepted in to a Major Program at the University of Illinois as a junior. She received her B.S. Degree at the University of Illinois in Physical Education on June 11, 1934. While studying at the University, she played varsity basketball, field hockey, and was a member of the riding team. She also taught swimming lessons to the faculty women and wives. She received her M.A. Degree from Northwestern University on June 14, 1944. Beulah was well on her way to her Doctorate Degree at Northern Illinois University with 30 credit hours. Dr. W. W. Haggard hired Beulah as a faculty member at J.T.H.S. and J.J.C. in September, 1934 as an instructor in the Girls' Department of Physical Education. She started as a substitute teacher for $5.00 a day and became a full-time teacher in December, 1934. She worked alongside her mentor, Phoebe Ann Kirby, and colleagues Pha Ruggles and L. Verna Hoyt. On October 29, 1940, Secretary of War, Henry Stimson drew #158 in the national draft lottery. Beulah's fiancé, Charles M. Hoffer was one of 5 Will County men who held #158. While Staff Stg. Hoffer was fighting for our country in the South Pacific, Beulah was able to work at J.J.C. Beulah and Charles were married on February 22, 1941. She was told that when the men returned home from the war, she would have to give up her job. Charles arrived home from World War II on October 3, 1945 and she retired to start their family together. They were blessed with two sons, Mark and Charles. The family enjoyed hunting, fishing and family outings. Beulah returned to teaching in September 1955 as the Chairman of Girls & Women's Physical Education for J.T.H.S. and J.J.C. She taught and coached for 28+ years. She was a past President of the Illinois League of High School Girls Athletic Association, and held other positions which included Vice President, Executive Committee Member and sponsor for the G.A.A.A. for many years. The J.J.C. Board named Beulah, "Professor Emeritus" upon her retirement in 1974. Beulah enjoyed an active retirement participating in community projects, playing bridge, golf, swimming, bowling, and travel and spending time with her family. She was an active and a former member of her church, the First Presbyterian Church of Joliet, IL. Note: Isabella Alfrick Hoffer joined the church on 11-3-1881; Beulah became a member on 11-28-1954, (Prayer Circle, Deaconess, Mary Circle, and Women of the First Presbyterian Church). Beulah was also an active member of many other community groups which included: Silver Cross Hospital/King's Daughter's, Life Member/Volunteer Award for 80 years of volunteer service received in May, 2009; What's So Ever Group; University of Illinois, Alumni Association Member, The Delta Kappa Gamma Society, Beta Rho Chapter; Diamond Arrow Award, Pi Beta Phi, Illinois Zeta Chapter. Duck's Unlimited, Volunteer Award, 11-2-2002 for significant contributions to wetland conservation. On 5-20- 2012, Joliet Junior College awarded Beulah the "Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award" for her pioneering contributions to Girls Athletic Programs at Joliet Junior College. Left to treasure her memory are her loving children, Mark (Carol) Hoffer and Charles (Janice) Hoffer; proud Grandmother of Christopher C. (Heather) Hoffer, Matthew C. Hoffer, William C. Hoffer, Rob (Jessica) Hagg, Keith and Sarah (Hagg) Davis, and Annie Hagg and many great-grandchildren. Fond Aunt of Frances Ann Smith, Kay Rutherford and Jay Folk, all residents of Colorado; Special relationship with her cousin, Claire Chamberlain Olds of Kalamazoo, MI and appreciative of Claire's many family poems. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Charles M. Hoffer; parents, Harlow B. and Jennie L. (Larson) Green; Grandparents, Borje A. and Albertina Larson; Aunt Bertha A. Larson, and sister, Frances G. (Green) Folk and Brother-in-law, Robert J. Folk. A special "Thank You" to Mike Gamache, Executive Director at The Fountains of Crystal Lake, IL for the exceptional staff and for providing a warm and inviting home for Beulah. Also, a special thanks to Marlyn Norte, Beulah's caregiver and friend for her love, hard work, and for walking Beulah through her final days. The care given by Raiza Herce mirrored the love she had for her own Grandmother. Beulah was also grateful for the previous caregivers: Nati Vidad, Nati Genobatin, Jeanette Damboa, Brenda Philip, Cecille Ramos, Evelyn and the part-time caregivers, JoAnne, Annie, Tsai, Lina and many others. They were all special and took exceptional care of Beulah. A special thanks to Jennifer Schmidt, In-Home Services and Remeeh Tragico, Fil-Am Home Care Services, Inc. for providing caregivers who truly cared. We would also like to thank Dr. Barkley and her team for keeping Beulah pain free for the last twelve years and Dr. Arora for his guidance and exceptional care of Beulah over the years. The family expresses special gratefulness and gratitude to her lifelong friends Alan and Carol Zobel. Words cannot express the love, trust and companionship they have shared with Charles and Beulah and the family for many, many years. A special thanks to her lifelong friends and students from the Joliet area who kept her in their lives through special notes of love and prayers. A private family Memorial Service and interment will be held at Elmhurst Memorial Cemetery on Wednesday, November 13, 2013. The Rev. Dale Ambler, First Presbyterian Church of Joliet will officiate.