Anna Lorraine (Stecker) Hoffman passed the mortal world January 2, 2015. She was born May 31, 1921 in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. She was preceded in passing by her parents, Beatrice and Russell, brothers Oz and Sherman and husband of 60 years, Albert “Red” Hoffman. Anna Lorraine is survived by her sons Lewis of South Fork, CO, Ralph of Colorado Springs and Mark (Melissa) and grandson Clyde Frederick of Everett, WA.
She spoke of life in North Western New Jersey dairy country during the depression, never feeling poor du to the self-sufficiency provided by livestock, orchards and gardens.
After graduating college, she worked during World War II as a Weather Forcaster at Allentown, Pennsylvania Airport. There she met future husband Red who was a Pilot and Airport Manager at Kutztown, PA.
She taught elementary school in New Jersey and Pennsylvania before retiring with Red to South Fork. They enjoyed hiking, camping, hunting, skiing, fishing and traveling. Anna Lorraine bagged an elk with a shot from 200 yards and caught many trout.
She and Red were active in Masons, Eastern Star and VFW. They were two of the 16 founding members of the Gray Wolf Ski Club, which now has over 600 members. While in New Jersey, she and Red founded the 4-H Downhillers Ski Club in Warren County. The club was featured in a 1970 skiing magazine article which showed a picture of sons Mark and Ralph giving a summer ski demonstration on a huge ramp with plastic mats at the Warren County Fair.
Anna Lorraine also helped build a private ski area on the family farm. The Marble Mountain Ski area had several trails through woods, a lodge and a rope tow.
Anna Lorraine personified the adage “If you want something done right, find a busy person to do it”. She was that busy person.
A Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at the Rogers Family Mortuary, 404 Morris St., Monte Vista. Interment will follow services in the Homelake Veterans Cemetery.
Contributions are suggested to the Colorado State Veterans Center in her memory.