Dena Marion Evangeline Hofstad

Dena Marion Evangeline Hofstad, 95, of Alexandria, MN, formerly of Starbuck, MN, died, Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at Woodcrest Assisted Living in Alexandria. Visitation will from 10-11 a.m., Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at Fron Lutheran Church in Starbuck, MN., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. A private family burial will be in held at a later date at the Fron Lutheran Cemetery in Starbuck. www.zniewskifuneralhome.com

Dena Marion Evangeline (Urke) Hofstad passed away peacefully on Wednesday June 1, 2022, achieving the outstanding age of 95 years.

Dena was born on April 25. 1927 in Langhei Township to Clara H. (Lien) Urke and Knut Urke. She grew up on the family farm where she was born.  Dena was a hard worker, helping her mother and learning to make lutefisk, lefse, klub and all of the Norwegian treats.  She made the best ham in the world!

On March 28, 1953, Dena was united in marriage to Leonard Hofstad. Her uncle Reverend Gilman Lien performed the ceremony. Dena and Leonard were thrilled when their first child DeAnn was born. She was joined a few years later by her "little" brother Kendal. Dena was an excellent wife and mother to her family.

Dena had her own cleaning business and was highly sought-after because of the excellent service she gave her customers. She also excelled at ironing. The Swartz Brothers would give testimony to that!

In early 2016 Dena moved from Starbuck and into her son and daughter-in-laws home. She loved her time with them, going on family outings, spending time with her son and his family, making new friends and giving the cats a ride on the seat of her walker!

Anyone who knew Dena knows that she was a huge lover of cats! She always had a cat on her lap at her son's home. In December of 2016 Dena moved down the street to Woodcrest Assisted Living, where she resided until her death. These years were some of the happiest of her life. She had lots of friends, music, exercise, good food companionship and much love and attention.  Daily visits from Kendal and Nancy and frequent visits from their cat made Dena very happy.

Dena leaves behind her beloved son Kendal and his wife (her favorite daughter-in-law) Nancy.

Grandsons Nels and his wife Megan Grote, Derek Grote, Addison Hofstad, great-grandson Hudson, son-in-law Brian Grote and siblings Marvin, Conrad and Inga Mae.

Dena was preceded in death by her loving husband Leonard, her brothers Ingolf and Alfred, and dear daughter DeAnn Grote.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation and enormous love to Kayla and her loving staff at Woodcrest Assisted Living for all of the care and love they showered Dena with during her life at Woodcrest.

A celebration of Dena's life will be held on Tuesday June 7, 2022, at Fron Lutheran Church in Starbuck MN.  Visitation at 10am with a service at 11 a.m. and lunch to follow at the church. A private family burial will take place at a later date.