Hope Sjodin, 83, Elko-New Market

Hope Laurene (Hochstetler) Sjodin, age 83, passed away on Monday, July 11, 2022, at home with her loving family watching over her.

Hope L. Hochstetler was born on Aug. 28, 1938, in Luck, Wis. to Harry and Mable Hochstetler.

Her family of 11 moved to South St. Paul when she was in fifth grade, where she grew up and eventually graduated from high school.

One fateful evening, while out dancing with her sister in the small western Wisconsin town of West Sweden, she met a handsome young man named Merlyn. Unable to resist his charm, they began dating. Soon, she married Merlyn Leroy Sjodin in Northwood, Iowa on Jan. 31, 1959. They made their home in Inver Grove Heights, Minn. and had three Children. During those years, Hope worked for the IRS in St. Paul as a typist.

In 1969 Merlyn could no longer ignore his love of country life so they moved to a dairy farm in Grantsburg, Wis. In addition to raising three kids, Hope worked on the farm and worked sewing couch and chair cushions for Northern Manufacturing helping support the family.

In 1999, after the kids had relocated to southern Minnesota, Hope and Merlyn packed up and headed out for a new life closer to their children and grandchildren. They moved to Faribault, where Hope worked at Norwest Bank and later The State Bank of Faribault in data entry.

Although she was the only one who handled the commercial accounts, she was much more known for the amazing caramel rolls she brought to every special occasion.

Hope and Merlyn, after retiring, moved in with their daughter Laurie and her husband Rick and helped out for a short time. In 2010, they moved to the Market Village Apartments in Elko/New Market. They enjoyed living there over the next several years, meeting many great friends. In 2016, Rick and Laurie would return the favor by moving in with them, becoming their care givers right up to present day.

Hope had several very special talents including knitting, crocheting and quilt making. Many of the family members cherish the handmade treasures she created. She was always staying busy with something. She loved crossword, word find and jigsaw puzzles. She was also a great cook, although getting a recipe was not easy as she just added ingredients until it tasted good. Her taco dip, caramel rolls and rice pudding were, must bring items to all family events. She also had a beautiful singing voice. We got to hear her hum and sing gospel and country western songs as she cooked, baked and did mundane chores around the house. Her kindness and love permeated everywhere she went, and her sense of humor was great. Hope’s smile would light up a room and she will be missed by many.

Hope is survived by children: Annette (Dale) Motl, Blooming Prairie; Laurie (Rick) Ernste, Elko/New Market and Ralph (Jody) Sjodin, Owatonna; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren; nine step grandchildren; 14 step great grandchildren; brother Dennis (Ruth) Hochstetler and many precious nieces and nephews.

Hope was preceded in death by her parents; husband Merlyn Sjodin; sisters: Delores Williams, Elaine Gonzales, Pat Hermensen, Annette Hochstetler, Mary Reynolds; brothers: Carl Hochstetler and Roy Hochstetler.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, July 24, 2022 at Christian Family Church,

2300 Heritage Place N.W., Owatonna. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. followed by a service at 2 p.m. with lunch afterwards.