Benita Marie Hoffman, 91, of Owatonna, died Thursday, December 27, 2018 at Koda Living Community following a brief illness. She was born September 24, 1927 in Somerset Township the daughter of Walter and Marie (Wanous) Kaplan. Benita attended Riverpoint School in Somerset Township. She was baptized March 22, 1945 by Rev. Olson at First Lutheran Church in Hope. She was confirmed the same year. Benita married Loren H. Hoffman on September 12, 1948 at St. John Lutheran Church in Owatonna. The couple lived on the family's Century Farm where they raised their family for nearly 56 years. Benita loved gardening, caring for the yard and flowers. She also loved to bake and the Steele County Free Fair. She received many champion and purple ribbons for her numerous entries in baking and canning at the fair. Benita enjoyed interacting with many people during her 13 years working as a demonstrator in local grocery stores. She was a 4-H leader and loved working with young people. She was a member of the Happy Hour Extension Club, Farm Bureau Women, Healthy Seniors, Senior Place, Owatonna Women's Club and a member of the Crusader Club of St. John Lutheran Church since 1948. As a member of St John Lutheran Church, Benita served 12 years on the wedding committee, as leader of the Senior Lutheran Group and as leader of the Crusader Club. She loved photography, entertaining in her home and church, decorating the church and sharing music with her family. She is survived by her sons, Jim (and Joan) Hoffman, Terry (and Debra) Hoffman; daughters, Janet (and Jim) Nelson, Judy (and Ron) Oeltjenbruns; grandchildren, Brad (and Kendra) Hoffman, Steve (and Sarah) Hoffman, Nick Hoffman, David (and Becky) Hoffman, Alex (and Sherrica) Hoffman, Jeff (and Amy) Nelson, Jamie (and Eric) Stowe, Jennifer (and Chad) Bretl, Andrew (and Katie) Oeltjenbruns, Michael Oeltjenbruns; 17 great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Don Standke and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Loren Hoffman; granddaughter, Anna Hoffman; brother, Walter Kaplan Jr.; sisters, Lorraine Pechacek, Doris Vaith and Ione Standke. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Sunday from 5pm to 7pm and at St. John Lutheran Church on Monday from 9:30am to 10:30am. Funeral services will be held Monday, December 31, 2018 at 10:30am at St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor Dave Klawiter officiating. Interment will be in the Crane Creek Cemetery in Deerfield Township. Visitation: 12/30/2018 17:00 12/30/2018 19:00 Service: 12/31/2018 10:30