Irene Sophia Hoff, 84

Crookston – Irene Sophia Hoff, 84, of Crookston, passed away at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND, just one week before her 85th birthday.
Born on August 10, 1941, in Mayville, ND, Irene grew up on the family farm outside of Portland, ND, as the daughter of Joe and Olina Amb. She met the love of her life, Dave, in 1958 while she was still in high school. She went to Concordia College but actually got her “PHT (Put Hubby Through) Degree” from NDSU.
Dave and Irene married in 1960 and moved to Crookston, where Dave taught agricultural economics and helped found the University of Minnesota, Crookston.
Irene and Dave were married for 65 years and were inseparable. She lit up whenever he walked into a room, and she loved her family deeply. Her favorite thing was spending time with her grandchildren, whom she proudly described as ‘perfect.’ She was always eager to show their latest photos and share their accomplishments with anyone who would listen. Family was at the heart of Irene’s life, and she especially cherished bringing everyone together for extended family gatherings at her and Dave’s cabin, Serendipity, on Walker Lake. A sharp bridge player, she took quiet pride in regularly taking a few dollars off her bridge club.
Irene is survived by her husband, David Hoff; her children, Duane Hoff and Denise (Hoff) Deering; her four “perfect” grandchildren, Taylor Hoff, Chelsea (Hoff) Golper, McCormick Deering, and Brock Deering; and her beautiful great-grandchildren, Dagny and Graham Golper.
Her life was distinguished by her quick smile, sense of humor, and warm-hearted compassion for her family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to the David and Irene Hoff Scholarship Fund at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. http://makingagift.umn.edu. Scroll to the bottom of the page, and type “Irene Hoff” into the Search bar. Select UMC David & Irene Hoff PSM Scholarship, then click the Make a Gift button.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Amor Township on Saturday, September 19, 2026, with a time of Fellowship at 10 a.m. followed by the Memorial Service at 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow after the service.
Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com.