Elizabeth “Betty” J. Hoefner, age 92, of Manitowoc, died peacefully, February 15, 2021 at the home of her daughter, Judy, surrounded by her loving family.

Betty was born on August 11, 1928 in Manitowoc, daughter of the late Emil and Regina (Bonk) Chermak. She was a graduate of Manitowoc Lincoln High School, Class of 1946. On November 24, 1951 Betty married the love of her life, Merlyn N. Hoefner at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Manitowoc. He preceded her in death on August 26, 2017. Betty was a member of the Daughters of Isabella, Junior Service League, Branch River Country Club and Plantation Golf and Country Club; Venice, FL.

Survivors include three daughters and two sons-in-law: Judy Hoefner-Culligan, Manitowoc, Margaret and John Miller, Edina, MN, Liz and Bill Becker, Manitowoc; one son and daughter-in-law: Chuck and Carol Hoefner, Manitowoc; 11 grandchildren: Matt (Stacey) Culligan, Chris (Mary) Culligan, Kate (Andrew) Barca, Chris Miller and special friend Lucia Sandberg, Mackenzie Miller and fiancé Chris Hui, Charles Miller, Lauren (Mike) Herbeck, Michael Becker, Molly (Nathaniel) Smith, Maggie (Ryan) Streu, Rachel Hoefner; 15 great grandchildren: Lindsey, Claire and Elise Culligan, Andrew and Charlotte Culligan, Audrey, Mikey, Jack and Elle Herbeck, Hannah and Charlie Smith, Harper and baby girl Streu, Vincent and Estelle Barca; two sisters-in-law: Beatrice Buss and Phyllis Elfner, and special cousin: Ruth Franz. Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. She was preceeded in death by a son: Gregory Hoefner, a brother and sister-in-law: Art and Alice Chermak; and two brothers-in-law: Donald Buss and Robert Elfner.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, private family services were held at St. Francis of Assisi on Grand. Concelebrating the Mass of Christian Burial was the Very Rev. Daniel Felton, Father Daniel Schuster and Father Gerald Foley with entombment to follow at Calvary Mausoleum, Manitowoc.

The Mass for Betty has been livestreamed and can be seen by visiting https://www.facebook.com/LakeshoreFamilyFH and clicking on videos.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty’s memory can be made to Roncalli Catholic Schools, 2000 Mirro Drive, Manitowoc, WI 54220, or to your favorite charity.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.pfefferfuneralhome.com

The Pfeffer Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

The family would like to thank Sharon S. Richardson Hospice for the kindness and compassion given to Betty and her family; especially Carriann. Also, thank you to Dr. Mark Herring and his staff for the care given to Betty over the years.

Aside from being a lifetime resident of Manitowoc, Betty and Merlie cherished their time in Venice, FL. For her, Venice was her happy place.
Betty loved living at The Gardens. She enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. Card games, Bingo, the nightly rosary, Saturday afternoon movies, and daily mass filled her days in the last years of her life. Mom was our cheerleader. She always saw the good in every situation. Her compliments were endless. She was a rock star grandma and great-grandma, and loved watching them grow and hearing all about their lives. She was so very proud of each and every one of them. Full of fun and games, a confidant and quiet teacher. As with her children, she passed on to them the importance of faith, kindness, acceptance and generosity. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

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