On Saturday, Jesus showed up in a mighty way and took our mother home with Him.  Mom had been ill for some time and was ready to join her blessed Savior in heaven..  She did not suffer and went peacefully surrounded by family and close friends singing hymns and songs of praise around her bed.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Margarete Visofski Walther and Heinrich Walther, by her brother, Gunther Walther, and her beloved dog, Max. She was a member of Southside Baptist Church and had been their church secretary for many years before her retirement. She is survived by her children, Karin Janasiewicz (Stan), Sabine Smitley (Russ), Robert Hochstrasser, Frederick Hochstrasser (Michelle), and by her grandchildren, Jennifer Janasiewicz, Adam Janasiewicz (Crystal), Julie Janasiewicz, Lauren Smitley Doeren, Eric Smitley (Erinn), Dustin Hochstrasser, Timothy Hochstrasser, and Cody Hochstrasser. She was also blessed to have four great grandchildren, Ella Doeren, Violet Doeren, Ethan Smitley, and the just recently born Cora Janasiewicz. Her sister, Helga Rudolf (Stefan) and her nieces and nephews also mourn her loss. So many other people loved her and were loved by her, and she claimed them as her own.  She was Omi to many including her "adopted" grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as those who helped to take care of her in the last few years . Her sense of humor kept us all in stitches and her German upbringing kept us on our toes.  She will be missed, but we rejoice in the fact that she is in heaven walking and talking with Jesus, asking Him a million questions.  I'm sure discussion topics include why there are no Easter eggs in heaven.  In her spare time she is probably talking to dear friends who have gone on before her, catching up on the latest heavenly news, and walking her dog, Max, on the streets of gold.  Until we meet again Mom ...

Funeral services for Ms. Hochstrasser will be conducted at 4:00 P.M. Friday, March 25, 2016 at Hopeful Baptist Church with Dr. Rodney Baker and Pastor Zeb Cook officiating. Interment will follow at Hopeful Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held from 3:00-4:00 P.M. (1 hour before the service) at the church.