George Stoffa

George Stoffa, age 84, of Elburn passed away peacefully Friday, May 16, 2008, at home. Though Lewey Body Disease had taken away his ability to think and to reason it could not take from him the loving arms of his family who have cared for his every need. To the last moment of his life, George’s beloved wife, Darlene cared for him and lived the vows she took over 62 years ago, "in sickness and in health …". George was born July 30, 1923, on a farm in Evans, IA the fifth child of John and Mary (Susnar) Stoffa. At the tender age of four, he lost his mother when she died of complications following childbirth. Within the year, hard times caused the loss of the farm as well and the family moved to town. As a teenager, he bought his first car for $75 paying $5 a week; a deal made with just his word and the promise of payment.In 1943, he received a draft notice, and entered the U.S. Army where he spent basic training in Miami, FL. He was stationed in several places stateside before being ordered to the Philippines. Home on furlough before being deployed, George and his buddy visited a local roadhouse and while surveying the "possibilities" his eye caught the "heart" of Darlene Loughridge. He and Darlene spent the rest of his furlough going to the movies and sitting in the park holding hands. On February 28, 1946, George called Darlene from San Francisco to say, "I’m home". They were married on March 12, 1946 in Oskaloosa, IA. The newlyweds made their home in Marshaltown, IA, where George worked in sales for a beer distributor. They moved to Palatine, IL where their daughter, Linda was born and in 1950, they moved to Elburn and George went to work at Burgess-Norton in Geneva. Their family grew with the births of John, Mike, Loretta and Lora and they purchased their present home on Reader St. In May of 1960, at a village board meeting, Mayor Erickson hired George as the town’s "maintenance man." He was responsible for the water, sewer, streets and whatever else needed fixing. George’s invitation to attend a board meeting turned into a 35 year career. On May 26, 1972 he received his A-1 Classification as a Water Supply Operator from the E.P.A. In the beginning, many village maintenance jobs were a family affair done by George and his young sons, John and Mike. In time, George became the Superintendent of Public Works and in 1998, he retired from his job but not from his commitment to the community.In 1966, he joined the Elburn & Coutnryside Fire Department where he served as a volunteer and radio man for over 35 years. He joined the Elburn American Legion Post #630 in 1949, served twice as Commander and for many years as Chaplain. He served as Kane County Commander; was a member of the Kane, Kendall, Will & Dupage Forty & Eight and the Batavia V.F.W. Post #1197, as well as serving as President of the Fox Valley Operator’s for many years. For nearly sixty years, he was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, St. Charles where the Stoffa family filled the back pew and George served as both a Trustee and a Deacon for number of years.George was a "family man" in every sense of the word and took great joy and pride in his children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter. He was a devoted brother, uncle and friend who served both his country and his community with pride and dedication. He loved to tell jokes, to laugh and to love; he made the very best of all his days. He is survived by his loving wife, Darlene; five children: Linda Souders of Elburn, John (Terri) Stoffa of Geneva, IL, Loretta ( Jim) Rausch, Mike (Shirley) Stoffa and Lora (John) Cain, all of Elburn; nine grandchildren: Adam Souders of Geneva, Aaron Souders of Carol Stream, Ann Elizabeth (David) Dias of North Aurora, Todd (Molly) Stoffa and Sarah Stoffa, all of DeKalb, IL, Matt and Tommy Rausch of Elburn, Jonathan and Charlie Cain of Elburn; one great-granddaughter, Abby Stoffa; his "adopted" daughter, Marleah (Richard) Bond, two sisters-in-law: Barbara Stoffa of Albia, IA and Phyllis (John) Nuckles of Batavia; many nieces and nephews and a lifetime of friends.He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Stoffa; five siblings: Christine Ford, Irma Schultz, Irene Rebarcak, John Stoffa and Howard Stoffa.Visitation will be held from 1 to 8 pm, Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at the Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. His funeral service will be held at 10:30am, May 22, 2008 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 101 S. 6th Ave., St. Charles, IL. There will be visitation at the church from 9:30a.m. until the time of service. The Rev. Timothy Silber will officiate and interment will follow at Blackberry Cemetery, Elburn.An open memorial has been established in George’s name. Memorial checks may be made to the George Stoffa Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL. Tributes and memories may be forwarded to the family at the same address or through his obituary at www.conleycare.com. For information call 630-365-6414 or 1-800-8-CONLEY.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 8 pm, Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at the Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. His funeral service will be held at 10:30am, May 22, 2008 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 101 S. 6th Ave., St. Charles, IL. There will be visitation at the church from 9:30a.m. until the time of service. The Rev. Timothy Silber will officiate.

An open memorial has been established in George’s name. Memorial checks may be made to the George Stoffa Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL. Tributes and memories may be forwarded to the family at the same address or through his obituary at www.conleycare.com.