The Hoffmann siblings held a reunion in Brainerd, Minnesota in 1947. The brothers and sisters are lined up in the front row in birth order starting with Ed on the far right and ending with John on the left. Ed, Emma, Louis, Ernst, Nellie, Stanley, Viola, Walter, John.
Lily was not well enough to attend. Louise, Henry, and Frieda had passed away. The final word for now comes from Ernst Eyrich who was married to the first-born Hoffmann sibling Louise Hoffmann. He is in the back row between Walter and Viola as you look behind them. My father John Hoffmann often talked about him with great love and respect. Here is the text of a letter he sent to my Dad and probably other Hoffmann siblings on Oct 24, 1948. |
Dear Jack:
It's been a long time since I heard from you. I hope all is fine & well at your place. I've been pretty sick for a month but am recovering as fast as an old 68 year man can expect. Being sick has held up my distribution of the money which Ed placed in my keeping but I'm getting it out now. Enclosed you will find a check for $311.71 which is a 1/12 share, After all expenses were paid there was a balance of $3,840.52. After deducting $100.00 which Ed had directed me to give to our church here in memory of mother, there remained $3,740.52. Ed had signed the deed and all neccessary papers for the transfer of the property the week before he died. I think he must have had a premonition that things looked bad because he appointed me to carry things to their conclusion. This he did on the Saturday before he went to the hospital. And so I'm winding up the affairs of one of the finest families I ever met. Too bad, Jack, but we all have to pass on. Memories, we have, memories too exquisite for words to express. Please cash the check soon so I can close the account. Let me hear from you sometime. With best regards to all. Ernst |