Vicki J. Waldhoff (76) of Effingham

Vicki Waldhoff, age 76, of Effingham, died peacefully, surrounded by family, on January 19, 2024, after a short hospitalization. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, February 3, 2024 at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am to the time of service, Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, consider honoring Vicki’s memory by donating to the Arthritis Foundation, the Effingham Animal Rescue Sanctuary (E.A.R.S.), or another charity of the donor’s choice.

Vicki was born in 1947 to Jack and Kathryn (née Lawson) Grigg of Effingham, Illinois. She attended St. Anthony Grade School and graduated from Effingham High School in 1965. She married Leonard Waldhoff in 1967 and remained married for nearly 56 years until Leonard’s death in 2023. Vicki was a member of the parish at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Shumway and raised her family in rural Shumway.

Despite her physical limitations, Vicki was unyielding and deeply devoted to her family. She loved her sons and her grandchildren and instilled in them the importance of perseverance and education. She was a vocal and spirited classroom volunteer with the Beecher City school system while her children were students there. Later, she brought that same commitment to her work for the Effingham County Red Cross, where she felt proudest when she organized and promoted community blood drives. Vicki loved animals and adopted many pets over the years that others might have seen as lost causes. She was a generous and tireless supporter of her children and grandchildren and was a consistent presence at their sports games, performances, and milestone events.

Vicki is survived by her sons and their families, Brad (Jamie, née Henderson) and their children, Austin and Miles; Jeff (Kelly, née Sullivan) and their children, Lincoln and Sloane; and Rodney (Stephanie, née Morris) and their children Madeline, Emma, and Sophia; her brother, Kevin Grigg (Debbie, née Norris); her nephew, Jeremy Grigg; her niece, Jennifer Barberio (née Grigg); and by many beloved cousins.

Vicki was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Kathryn Grigg, and by her husband, Leonard Waldhoff. Vicki will be deeply missed.