Eileen J. Stoffels, age 74, of Cedar died January 4, 2024 at Unity Hospital in Fridley. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, January 12th at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in East Bethel. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the church cemetery.
Eileen Jeanette Stoffels was born September 13, 1949 in Fairmont, Minnesota to Allan and Gladys (Swanson) Johnson. She grew up on a small farm in southern Minnesota and graduated from Tri-Mont High School in 1967. Eileen then studied Anthropology at the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1971. In 1972 she met Maynard Soffels and they were married on April 5, 1975 at First Lutheran Church in Trimont. Maynard and Eileen first lived in Robbinsdale. In 1979 they moved to Cedar where they lived the rest of their lives. Their son Karl was born on April 28, 1987, on his father’s birthday. The family actively attended Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in East Bethel.
Eileen worked many years in the local school district starting as an elementary Title 1 para helping kids with their reading and math skills eventually moving to the middle school as an Educational Assistant. She lastly worked with the Kid-U program and other continuing education programs at Anoka-Ramsey Community College.
Eileen was heavily involved in her church with the choir for many years, working with the women’s retreat, and the beading ministry. She also performed with the Sweet Adelines. Eileen also enjoyed to crochet, read, classical music, cook new and interesting foods, and to learn new things.
Eileen passed away January 4, 2024 at Unity Hospital in Fridley at the age of 74 years, 3 months and 22 days. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Maynard; brother, Russell; and sister-in-law, Peggy Wheelock. She will be lovingly remembered by her son, Karl; brothers, Keith and Jim Johnson; sister in law Cristina Cafaro Johnson; niece, Martina Johnson; nephews, Sam and Jake Stoffels; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Rick (Mary) Stoffels and Kathleen Stoffels; and by other relatives and friends.
We are deeply saddened by Eileen’s passing. She was a proud and loving mom and caring sister-in-law. We have fond memories of her bright and cheerful personality. We will miss her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our class motto for us graduating from Tri-Mont High School in 1967 was: “We came to learn. We go forward to serve.” Eileen sure got that right!
Eileen was a high school class mate, but as so often happens after school contact was very limited. However, a few years ago we reconnected on Facebook. She frequently had a wry comment on my posts and we had several long chats on Messenger. She was the smart, witty and interesting person I remembered from our school years. I will miss her.
Karl and family….
I am so sorry to hear this news. Eileen was a bright light that encouraged and supported everyone she met. She was a delight to work with at Anoka-Ramsey Community College. She will be missed greatly!
Eileen was my classroom kindergarten EA when I first started teaching 29 years ago (possibly 28, you lose track). Immediately I knew that we would work well together. She had many great ideas, the love the for students, and knew how important the extra set of hands were in the classroom. I was so lucky to have her in the classroom working beside me as I began my teaching career. She will be missed dearly. Karl, I am sorry for the loss of your amazing mom. She holds a special spot in my heart.
Eileen was such a positive person! We had so much fun planning the Women’s Retreats. I will miss her “check in” text messages and our chats.
Eileen worked at East Bethel School while I was a teacher there for many years. I observed her often out in the hallway working with students. I was always impressed by her patience, kindness, intellect, and interactions. . I remember you Karl as a boy. Eileen made such a difference in the lives of so many students and staff.