Erika Hofelich, age 91, of Iuka, passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at her beloved home on Rose Lake in Iuka, Illinois.
Born on May 17, 1933, in Linz, Austria, she met Alfons Hofelich when he was stationed near her town as a U.S. serviceman after World War II. They were married in 1951 after a whirlwind courtship and lived on U.S. military bases in places as varied as Biloxi, Miss., Italy, and Taiwan, all while raising five children.
Erika was adventurous, strong, and determined. Over her long life, she was a military wife, taught English to Taiwanese soldiers, became a nurse, owned The Chalet Tavern in Salem, worked at World Color Press, and sold real estate. She had a passion for adventure and travel and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Yu Shan.
She brought that same appreciation for the outdoors to her home at Rose Lake, always enjoying the nature all around her. Erika made Rose Lake her family’s special place for countless family gatherings, such as Easter egg hunts, Christmas Eve dinners, and afternoons swimming in the pool. She was a loving and generous mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
She is survived by her loving children, Howard (Candace) Hofelich of Hawaii, Robert (Marlene) Hofelich of Trenton, Lisa (Alex) Aguilar of Geneva, Eric Hofelich of Iuka, and Peter (Kim) Hofelich of Florida; grandchildren, Alexa (Jay) Schwab, Heidi Hofelich, Robyn (Caleb) Estes, Jennifer (Jay) Voss, Paul (Halli) Hofelich, Olivia Aguilar, Erika Hofelich (Bill), Daniel (Janice) Hofelich, Mark (Caity) Hofelich, and Sophia (Lane) Carter; great-grandchildren: Sarah (Luke), Gabriel, Audrey, Harris, Brooks, Jayden, Beckham, Sonora, Estil, and Teo; and her nephew, Steve Hager.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfons; a brother, Egon; two sisters, Inga and Lucia; and a dear friend, Charles Skibbens.
A Mass to celebrate her life will be held at St. Theresa Catholic Church at 1 pm on April 11 in Salem, with Father Jose Jacob officiating. Memorial donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Crouse Funeral Home in Salem is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences and memories can be shared at www.CrouseFH.com.
