Obituary of Charlotte E. Hoffmann

Of Milwaukee was reunited with the love of her life February 8, 2022, at the amazing age of 105 years old.  Charlotte was born to Frank and Gladys Stapleton on July 15, 1916, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  She was the second oldest of four siblings: Beulah, aka Boo Boo (Vern) Hardman, Carrie, aka Carol (John) Fliss, and Bud (Honey) Stapleton.  Charlotte met her future husband, Walter, aka Wally Hoffmann when she was 5 and he was 7 years old.  They were neighbors until her family moved away.  After high school she was reintroduced to Wally through a mutual friend.  They were married on November 28, 1936.  They welcomed their son, Thomas (Susan) Hoffmann in 1938.  They were blessed again with their daughter, Joy (the late Donald) Schnell in 1946.  Charlotte and Wally were overjoyed as they became grandparents to Dawn (Bob) Hood, Douglas, and Patricia (Chad) Dibb.  Charlotte’s blessings only grew with the title of great grandmother to Brett Schnell, Hannah and Colt Dibb.     

Charlotte lived a full and happy life.  She loved her beautiful family, and as a stay-at-home mom she dedicated her life to them.  Charlotte enjoyed sewing and had a fondness for crocheting.  She enjoyed playing Bingo at church or the local McDonalds, and even taught her granddaughters the thrill of the game and the importance of good luck tchotchkes.  Charlotte and Wally enjoyed playing many varieties of cards, and she passed down her love of card playing to her grandchildren, while also bonding over cards with her beloved daughter-in-law and son-in-law.  Charlotte and Wally enjoyed traveling and spent countless unforgettable vacations with Thomas and Susan.  Charlotte loved to dance a good polka or to 1940s big band music.  Charlotte and Wally could be found dancing the nights away, whether at the dance hall or in front of their stereo console in their living room.  Charlotte and Wally are undoubtedly dancing at this very moment.     

Charlotte and Wally had a love story to end all love stories.  Up until her dying day, Charlotte talked fondly of the great love of her life.  A week before her passing she would ask in confusion as to Wally’s whereabouts.  This was a change from her usual acceptance of Wally’s passing in 1994. In retrospect, we now realize that Wally was visiting his true love, preparing her for her departure from this world to the next.  We are confident that as she lay peacefully sleeping, she held Wally’s hand and crossed to the other side.  We are joyous for their long-awaited reunion after 28 years, albeit deeply saddened by our loss of a wonderful matriarch.   

Charlotte is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, and her son in law, Donald.  Charlotte’s family will remember and honor this amazing woman with a visitation on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at Cesarz, Charapata, & Zinnecker Funeral Home from 10-11 am., with a service at 11 am.  Following the service, we will be processing to Wisconsin Memorial Park where Charlotte will be laid to rest at her final resting place next to Wally. Special thanks to Joe Haase for singing and playing guitar to Charlotte during his visits. Thank you to Lake Country Health Services in Oconomowoc for their care.