Yvonne Joyce Staubus

Yvonne Joyce "Bonnie" (Hoffmann) Staubus, born June 16, 1930 in Sleepy Eye, MN, passed peacefully surrounded by family, on Oct. 10, 2025 at age 95. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and ingenuity. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jim (John Sr); her parents, Arleen Marie (Bertrand) and Roman Edward Hoffmann; and her stepmother, Arvesta Ogren Hoffmann. She is survived by her children: Iris Staubus (Ron Steelman), John Staubus Jr. (Donna Fosland), Thomas Staubus, and David Staubus (Dana); Grandchildren: Kristen (Justin), Cari (Greg), Jim (Brandi), Stephanie, Mike, and Cassie; Great-grandchildren: Sienna, Kensi, Ariana, Christopher, Cameron, Tristan, Mason, and Olivia. Bonnie was a woman of boundless love, creativity, and generosity. As a proud mother of four, she poured her heart into raising her children-nurturing them, cheering them on, and helping them build their lives and homes. She was a master wallpaper hanger and a fearless decorator, always ready with a paintbrush and a plan. Her flair for beautifying spaces-often with thrift, boldness, and charm-was unmatched. Known as a "Collector Extraordinaire," Bonnie had a gift for noticing the little things people loved. If someone casually mentioned an interest-"I love trolls," or "I'm into comics"-Bonnie would remember. Soon, that person would receive a thoughtful gift, and a collection would be born. Her attentiveness and joy in giving made others feel truly seen. Bonnie shared her talents freely, and her caring spirit touched every corner of her world-family, friends, church, library, schools, and the wider community. Her energy and warmth were contagious, and her legacy will live on in the stories, homes, and hearts she helped shape. She will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched. Services: • October 24 - Visitation, 4-7pm Washburn-McReavy, 5000 W 50th St, Edina (intersection of West 50th Street and Highway 100) • October 25 - Visitation, 9-10am Memorial Service, 10am Graveside Prayers, 11am Lakewood Cemetery Memorial Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis • Reception - 12pm Washburn-McReavy Edina Eulogy "Words of Remembrance" Celebrating the extraordinary life of a woman who brought color, warmth, and joy to everyone she touched. Born on June 16, 1930, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, to Roman and Arleen (Bertrand) Hoffmann, she lived a life that was anything but sleepy. She passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025, in Edina, Minnesota, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, her devoted husband Jim-whom she met at a malt shop in Worthington and never dated anyone else-and her cherished sister Donna Kuhl. She is survived by her four children: Iris, John, Tom, and David, who each carry forward her spirit in their own unique ways. Educated in art and design, she had an eye for beauty and a knack for creativity. Her talents found a home at the public library, where she was affectionately known as "The Tornado"-a whirlwind of energy, ideas, and action. She also poured her heart into volunteering at St. John's Church, serving on the altar guild, organizing children's activities, and transforming the sanctuary with her Christmas decorations. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother for Lake Harriet Elementary School Boys, giving her time and talent to create, organize, and facilitate projects that helped her son and his friends learn life skills and earn Cub Scout badges. Her leadership and creativity made those formative years unforgettable for many young boys. Bonnie had a collector's soul. She was a collector of treasures and stories. Rolling pins, baseball memorabilia, nutcrackers, antique kitchen items-each piece had a tale, and she believed everyone should have a collection. If her grandchildren didn't have one, she'd start it for them. She lived next door to her son John, and their relationship was a beautiful example of mutual support. They helped each other in ways big and small-proof that love doesn't always need grand gestures; sometimes it's just being there. Bonnie had a gift for finding treasure in the most unexpected places and her legend lives on in the tale of the mysterious "Garage Sale Santa," who found fabulous gifts, wrapped them in newspaper and placed them under the tree. She was the master of home transformation-painting, decorating, and wallpapering with precision and flair. Her creativity knew no bounds, whether it was crafting paper roses for Iris's prom party or building gingerbread houses with her grandchildren. She was frugal, yes, but never at the expense of beauty or joy. Long before genealogy websites existed, she was tracing family roots through church records, family bibles, and heartfelt interviews. She was a historian, a storyteller, and a keeper of legacy. She has inspired her daughter Iris to continue the quest. She and Jim ran an onion and pepper ring stand at the Minnesota State Fair, where she perfected her recipe and served up crispy joy to fairgoers. Her love for baseball was legendary-especially her bobblehead adventures with Tom. Rain or shine, they never missed a Twins Bobblehead giveaway game. She always enjoyed conversing with other people from all over the state. And who could forget the 3-foot-tall, 20-pound Kirby Puckett nutcracker, lovingly crafted by her son-in-law and proudly carried to a signing event? Music filled her home-Big Band and Polka, especially. David remembers coming home from school to the sound of joyful tunes and dancing with Mom be it swing or polka, as soon as he got in the door. Her love for celebration was unmatched. Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, reunions-she made every gathering feel like the most important day of the year. She was honored by both the Minneapolis Public Schools (30 + years of service) and the Hennepin County Library for her dedication. She used her creativity, ingenuity and teaching skills to help children from overseas, often students from the Hmong community, learn and thrive in a new country. She was organized, resourceful, and always thinking of others. Her cooking was legendary-varied, delicious, and made with love. Her children and grandchildren inherited her culinary passion, and she even held cooking classes for her great-grandchildren, teaching them how to make Spam burgers, a family favorite. Her grandchildren remember riding in the back of the old station wagon, waving to everyone they passed, feeling like royalty. That's how she made people feel-seen, special, and loved. She was a force of nature, a beacon of creativity, and the heart of her family. Her legacy lives on in every painted wall, every collected treasure, every joyful dance, and every bite of a Spam burger. We will miss her deeply, but we carry her with us-in our stories, our traditions, and our hearts.

Tributes

Yvonne Joyce Staubus

June 16, 1930 - October 10, 2025

Tributes

Yvonne Joyce Staubus

June 16, 1930 - October 10, 2025

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