Sybil Hoffman

Sybil Corrine Hoffman (nee Bentley) was born February 3rd, 1922 and passed away June 9th, 2021. Sybil was born in northern MN and came to live in the Twin Cities area as a young woman. She met Harry Hoffman and they were married June 1st, 1946. They settled in Anoka, MN for the duration of their lives. Sybil spent her life as a homemaker, raising four children and 2 foster children for a time. She and Harry were active, lifetime members of WMSTR (Western MN Steam Threshers Reunion) where she shared her musical talents and ran the Boutique for many years. Sybil was an active member of her church and an accomplished musician. Over the years she has provided hours of musical entertainment on the piano for many, many people. She continued to play the piano for the residents and staff at the Assisted Living Facility where she was living, right up until her passing. Loved ones who cleared the way for Sybil are her husband, Harry, her parents Sidney and Cora Bentley, her brother Onan Bentley, and sisters Gladys Sandberg and Ardys Rue. Loved ones who will miss Sybil until they meet again are her sister Marilyn Hetrick, children Cindy Olson, Janelle Dachtera (Craig), Rick Hoffman (Nancy) and Julie Hoffman (Alex Hadden). Sybil leaves behind many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. The family will gather together later this summer for a celebration of Sybil’s life. Memorials can be made to WMSTR Endowment Fund, PO Box 9337, Fargo, ND 58016, or to the organization of choice in Sybil’s name. A Tribute from Sybil's Grandson, Nick Hoffman: It’s hard to wrap my head around still buy my incredible Grandmother Sybil Hoffman has passed away at the age of 99. I owe so much to her and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her. She was a selfless supporter of my music and my career. She and my grandpa drove me to fiddle contests when I was a kid and later to band practices, gigs, and lessons when I was older. The jam sessions at their house were legendary and taught e so much and planted the seeds that would grow in to this wonderful life I live. She was an incredible musician. She had perfect pitch, loved to sing, and was known all through Minnesota as one of the best old time piano players to be found. She loved to share her love of music. She was a devoted wife to my grandpa Harry, the mother of four kids, grandma to many grandkids and great grandkids. She was tough as nails and not only survived the depression, the war, over 50 years of marriage, and motherhood, but she also survived over a year in isolation during Covid. Her positivity was infectious and proof that a good attitude will help you live long. She was truly my first manager. She would book gigs for the two of us to entertain at nursing homes, VFW’s and American Legions, and just about anywhere that needed some fiddle and piano. These were my first bits of learning to be a front man and an entertainer and taught me a little bit about running a business with my music. Looking back, those gigs with her are some of the most special moments of my life. She and my grandpa were tireless supporters of their community and she died in a hospital that the two of them helped to build. I could go on and on, but I’ll end it with this. My wish for everyone is to have just one person in your life like my Gramma Sybil. Someone who believes in you, loves you unconditionally, always leaves the light on and door unlocked, and who shares their passions with you. Thank you, Gramma, for the many fights you have given me. You leave a legacy as big as Mille Lacs and memories as sweet as Rommegrot. I love you and I hope you are playing “Beer Barrel Polka” for Grandpa and a beer hall full of Minnesotans in Heaven.