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Lois Irene Hoffard, 92, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026, at Methodist Manor in Storm Lake, surrounded by the love of her family.
Memorial Mass will take place Wednesday, July 8, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Visitation will be held from 9:30-11 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
Lois was born on Oct. 17, 1933, in Sac City to Richard Johnson and Ester Sjogren. As a young woman, she worked at the Sac City Movie Theatre, where she met the love of her life, Lawrence “Buzz” Hoffard. The two were united in marriage on June 4, 1951, at Sacred Heart Church in Early. They began their life together in Early before eventually making Storm Lake their lifelong home, where they raised their family and built a life together.
Together, Lois and Buzz welcomed six children. Lois was a devoted wife, a loving mother and the proud matriarch of a growing family that includes 18 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Lois found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved sewing, completing word search puzzles, keeping her yard beautifully groomed and tending to her flowers. She always looked forward to having her hair done, a little act of self-care that never failed to brighten her day. She adored dogs, never turned down a good piece of chocolate and had a gift for making a house feel like home.
Above all, Lois’s greatest joy was her family. Her home was the heart of countless Fourth of July celebrations and she loved Christmas gatherings, where generations came together to laugh, share stories and simply enjoy being with one another. As each child, grandchild and great-grandchild walked through the door, Lois’s face would light up with unmistakable joy. Those holidays were never just family gatherings — they were expressions of the love she poured into her family every day.
Anyone who knew Lois can probably still hear her joyful yodeling echoing through the house. It was often the first thing family heard when they walked through the door, a sound that instantly made everyone smile. It was uniquely Lois — a reminder of the warmth, happiness and playful spirit she brought to the lives of those she loved.
Lois is lovingly survived by her children: Michele Bloyer of Alta; Mike (Cindy) Hoffard of Storm Lake; Melinda (Vaughn) Barkley of Truesdale; Mark (Anne) Hoffard of Storm Lake; and Marcia (Troy) Hoffard of Storm Lake; her 18 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness and love.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lawrence “Buzz” Hoffard; daughter Melissa Johansen; grandson Troy Bloyer; her parents, Richard Johnson and Ester Sjogren; her seven siblings; and many cherished in-laws and friends.
Although her family will miss her beyond words, they find comfort in the countless memories she leaves behind. Her love lives on in every family gathering, every blooming flower, every shared laugh and every story told around the table. Whether they remember her tending to her flowers, enjoying a piece of chocolate, hearing her joyful yodeling from another room, or watching her face light up as loved ones arrived for the holidays, those memories will forever remind them of the extraordinary woman she was.
Lois’s legacy is one of unconditional love, quiet strength and unwavering devotion to her family. She lived a life filled with grace, generosity and joy, and her love will continue to be felt by all who were blessed to know her. Though she will be deeply missed, the memories she created and the values she instilled will live on for generations to come.
