Hanna Elshoff

Hanna Elshoff, age 81, of Chatfield, MN departed for her final Dream Ride Thursday, November 7, 2024 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, MN, due to injuries she sustained from a car accident.

Hanna was born during WWII in Verden, Germany, the daughter of Heinrich and Johanne (Riemann) Wahlers. She is survived by her sister, Irmgard Lexvold (Wahlers); son, Karl Elshoff; daughter, Andrea Tolle; foster-daughter, Janelle Koch (Kevin); grandson, Armin Mueller; granddaughter, Silvia Mueller and several cherished nieces, nephews and countless treasured friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Hans-Heinrich Wahlers and Manfred Wahlers; sister-in-law, Waltraud Wahlers and brother-in-law, Walter Lexvold. 

She emigrated from Germany to the U.S. in 1961 at age 18 starting her America journey in Fort Dodge, Iowa. From there she met up with her sister Irmgard in San Antonio, Texas where she met James Elshoff with whom she married and had 2 children (later divorced). She lived a few years in Rochester, MN and then eventually settled on the family farm in Chatfield, MN where she managed the dairy farm for 25 years. As well as being a farmer she worked the night shift as a nursing assistant for 20 years at Madonna Towers and was a proud nanny and personal care assistant for others. 

Hanna was well known in the Lions Club and Toastmasters communities and thoroughly enjoyed conventions and socializing. She gave credit to Toastmasters for the speaking opportunities that played a huge role in her expressing her true colors and creativity, and Lions Club gave her a platform to be of service. 

At the age of 72 she launched her Dream Ride in a solar powered incumbent bicycle. Over a 2 year period she traveled from Minnesota through many states all the way south to Florida meeting many wonderful people who opened their hearts and homes. A major highlight was having brunch with former peanut farmer and U.S. president Jimmy Carter.

In her remaining few years she was a well known character in town socializing at the local coffee shop and diner, and also enjoyed breakfast outings, summer parades, and early morning walks with dear friends. 

She didn’t quite make it to her scheduled departure of 2052. Yes, the rumor is true. Hanna had a headstone completed several years ago with the death date of 2052 engraved on it which became a legendary road side attraction in Orion Township. 

Her unique tenacity and character will be missed by many. 

Hanna’s Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, November 24th, at 2:00PM at Joy Ridge Event Center, 273 Mill Creek Road NW Chatfield, MN 55923, with a meal and time to gather and share stories following. Visitation will be from 1:00PM until the time of the service. The private family burial is Tuesday November 12th.