Erika Ruth (Hoefer) Lindberg

In Loving Memory of Erika Ruth (Hoefer) Lindberg
May 6, 1937 – April 18, 2025

   Erika Ruth (Hoefer) Lindberg passed away on April 18, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

   Erika was born on May 6, 1937, in Augsburg, Germany, to Carl and Margarete (Fleishmann) Hoefer. From her earliest days, she embodied resilience, grace, and a quiet strength that would shape the course of her life and inspire all who knew her.

   After graduating from high school, Erika was employed as a stenographer clerk for the editorial staff of a film trade magazine in Munich, Germany. It was a role that reflected her keen attention to detail and her ability to thrive in a fast-paced, creative environment. Her work during this time gave her a glimpse into a vibrant cultural world and laid the foundation for the lifelong poise and perfectionism she carried into everything she did.  It was while attending the Oktoberfest in Munich that she met Carl Sante, a young American GI from Redfield, South Dakota.

   In 1955, at the age of 18, Erika emigrated to the United States to marry Carl, carrying with her the hopes of a new beginning and the enduring values instilled by her family—hard work, kindness, and a deep appreciation for life’s simple joys. Together they had three children: Shirley, Bonnie, and David. Erika poured her heart into raising her family and creating a loving and supportive home. She embraced her new home with courage and determination. 

   In 1981, Erika married Jerry Lindberg, with whom she shared a rich and joyful chapter of life. In marrying Jerry, Erika lovingly welcomed four more children into her heart—John, James, Mary, and Jenny—and embraced them fully as her own.

   Erika was known for her deep compassion, calm wisdom, and adventurous spirit. Never one to shy away from new experiences, she even learned how to scuba dive—an example of her curiosity and zest for life. Whether exploring new places, nurturing her family, or sharing quiet moments of reflection, she approached life with grace and a genuine sense of wonder.  Erika loved her children and grandchildren with all her heart and was so very proud of their accomplishments.

   She is survived by her husband, Jerry Lindberg; her children Shirley Swanson (Greg), Bonnie Brinegar (Chris), David Sante (Ruth), John Lindberg (Terri), James Lindberg (Christy), Mary Martin (Greg), and Jenny Lindberg (Nancy); grandchildren Rueben Bolton, Trevor Swanson (Sigrid), Melissa Lorenzen (Travis), Sydney Martin, Kayla Beck (Derek), Patrick Martin, Ryan Lindberg (Mariah), and Sam Lindberg; 11 great-grandchildren; her sister Edith Takacs (Zoltan), nephew Gabor Takacs, her faithful canine companion Buddy, and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Margarete Hoefer, and sister Sofie Hinkelmann Ulmer. 

   Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Hyke Funeral Home.  The funeral service celebrating Erika’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. CDT on Saturday, May 3, at Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield, South Dakota. Following the service, family and friends are invited to lunch and time of fellowship at Leo’s Good Food in Redfield.

   Burial will take place later that day at 3:30 p.m. CDT at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Fort Pierre, South Dakota.

   The funeral service will be live-streamed on the funeral home’s website below Erika’s obituary.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home (www.hykefuneralhome.com).

   Erika was firm in her request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her memory to the Tri -County Good Samaritan Center (19 East 7^th Avenue, Redfield, South Dakota, 57469).

   Though her earthly journey has ended, Erika’s spirit, love, and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know her.