Debra Elaine Hoff, 64, passed away after a brave and valiant battle with cancer on Friday, May 19, at her daughter’s home in rural Mabel, surrounded by her family.
She was born on June 25, 1952, to Delbert and Christine (Clark) Kahoun and grew up on the family farm outside Rushford, graduating from Rushford School in 1970.
Debra and Dennis Hoff were married in September of 1970 and they had a daughter, Melisa. They lived in England for several years, and after their divorce, Deb returned home to Rushford where she obtained her L.P.N. degree at the Rochester School of Practical Nursing in 1978. Deb then moved to Brainerd for a year to obtain her R.N. degree at Central Lakes College.
Deb loved nursing and worked for the Mayo Clinic for 34 years, with the majority of it as a nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minn., where she worked first as a float nurse and then on Joseph 4B. While working at Mayo, she made many lifelong friends that loved and supported her until her passing.
She made her home in Peterson, where she enjoyed growing flowers, baking and taking care of animals. She especially enjoyed taking her two grandchildren to fairs and other events, and was active in helping them show sheep in 4-H and other shows. She also had a special bond with her niece and nephews: Jennifer, Michael, Tony and their children.
Deb was preceded in death by her father, Delbert Kahoun.
She is survived by her mother, Christine (Clark) Kahoun; one brother, Philip (Debbie) Kahoun, and one sister, Elizabeth (Dennis) Atkinson; her daughter Melisa (Forrest) Musselman and her two grandchildren Jackson and Sophia; her nieces and nephews: Tony (Shelly) Atkinson, Michael (Teresa) Atkinson, Jennifer (David) Patterson, Angie (Mark) Tripp, Shawn (Jessica) Kahoun, Michelle (Luke) Kahoun, and Katie (Tony) Rislove; her 23 great-nephews and nieces; and three great-great-nephews and nieces.
Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting with arrangements.
A visitation will occur on Saturday May 27 at Hoff Funeral Home in Rushford from 4-7 p.m.
Funeral services will be announced on a later date.