Elsie Mae (nee Gischer) Hofstetter, 90, of Columbia, died March 7, 2024, in Waterloo. She was born Jan. 13, 1934, in East St. Louis to Lincoln and Odela (nee Levin) Gischer.

Mrs. Hofstetter was a long time member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Women’s Club in Dupo, but was most currently a member at Immaculate Conception Church in Columbia. She worked at AG Edwards as an accounting clerk. She and her husband Ken enjoyed attending the monthly dances at Turner Hall. Among other things, she loved to sew, play slot machines and specialized in retail therapy.

Surviving are her children Karen (Jeffrey) Cotter, Larry (Penny) Hofstetter, Kathy Hofstetter and John (Pattie) Hofstetter; grandchildren Kiersten Cotter, Jason Cooper, Josh (Nikki) Cooper, Jamie Cooper, Nikki (Ronnie) Bennett and Shauna Hofstetter; six great-granddaughters; five great-grandsons; along with other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years Kenneth Hoffstetter; son Retired Chief Master Sergeant Gary A. Hofstetter; parents Lincoln and Odela Gischer, sisters and brothers-in-law Jean (Willie) Eugea, Arleen (Norman) Kempf, Alfred (Eleanor) Hofstetter,  Art (Vera) Hofstetter and Raymond Hofstetter.

Visitation is 4-8 p.m. March 12 at Leesman Funeral Home in Dupo and 9:30-10:30 a.m. March 13 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Columbia.  

Funeral Mass will be held celebrated following visitation at the church with Fr. Steve Thoma officiating.

Interment will be at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Columbia.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for Masses; or to Vitas Hospice Care, Fairview Heights.