Deborah “Deb” Marie Hoffmann
Deborah “Deb” Marie Hoffmann, 74, of Brainerd, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Essentia Health – St. Joseph’s Medical Center, surrounded by the love of her family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd. Family and friends are invited to gather one hour prior to Mass and remain for a luncheon—complete with Funeral Hot Dish (FDH)—following the service. Visitation will take place on Thursday, April 9, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home. Interment will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley.
Deb was born on September 26, 1951, in Little Falls, Minnesota, to Al and LaVerne (Zilkoski) Schneider. From an early age, she displayed a deep appreciation and natural talent for the arts—something that would remain a thread throughout her life. After high school, she pursued her passion by attending a commercial arts program in Alexandria, later expressing her creativity through graphic arts and painting.
For 25 years, Deb shared her talents and her unmistakable gift of conversation at JoAnn Fabrics—a place where her creativity flourished and her warmth left a lasting impression on coworkers and customers alike.
Her faith was central to who she was. A devoted member of St. Francis Catholic Church, Deb gave generously of her time and heart. She participated in confirmation instruction, marriage mentoring, the lunch guild, and especially cherished her work in Pastoral Care, bringing the Eucharist and comfort to those in hospitals and nursing facilities.
Deb embraced life with joy and enthusiasm. She loved bowling, proudly throwing strikes and spares with her team. She was the ultimate Den Mother for Cub Scouts, guiding and encouraging young lives with patience and humor. With her green thumb and eye for beauty, she became a Master Gardener for more than ten years, finding peace and purpose in nurturing growing things.
Above all, Deb’s greatest joy and proudest role was that of a mother. She adored her three children, surrounding them with unwavering love, support, understanding, and compassion. She was their biggest cheerleader and took immense pride in the people they have become.
Her life was deeply intertwined with the love of her husband, Louis Hoffmann—her constant companion and steadfast champion. They met in high school, married soon after, and shared 53 beautiful years together, building a life rooted in love, faith, and family.
Deb is lovingly remembered by her husband, Louis; her children, Tracy (Todd) Slagter, Jennifer (Ike) Graham, and Ross (Nicole) Hoffmann; her cherished grandchildren, Nathan, Megan, Louis, Moe, Charlotte, and Will; and her sisters, Dore (Larry) Arnold and Dawn Schmieg.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Al and LaVerne Schneider.
Though Deb had a special love for gardening and all things beautiful, the family kindly requests that memorials be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.