Tove A. Christoffersen

CHICAGO, ILL.-Tove A. Christoffersen, age 83, of Chicago, Ill., passed away on September 26, 2013, at the Danish Home of Chicago. She was born on January 17, 1930, the daughter of Hans and Ella Madsen. Tove was raised and educated in her beloved home country of Denmark, an ancient land of over 400 islands bordered by the North and Baltic Seas. There, she met the love of her life, Niels. Together, the couple immigrated to Ontario, Canada, where they married on Oct. 6, 1951, lived in a small iron ore mining town, had their first son, and then immigrated to the U.S. They settled on Florida’s Gulf coast where they had their second son, became U.S. citizens, and lived, owned, a co-operated a charming, successful motel for many years. Tove was a hard-working, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend who loved the sun and the outdoors and collecting sharks’ teeth on the beach. She was a marvelous cook who took pride in maintaining Danish family traditions as well as in being a United States citizen. Tove later enjoyed managing a shoe store, moved to Madison, and relished condo living amongst wonderful friends for 15 years. She loved the pool and her neighbors and water aerobics buddies, the “Grey Bobbers.” The last 2 years of her life were spent at the Danish Home of Chicago, a very special, caring community steeped in Danish culture and traditions. There, Tove passed away peacefully with both of her sons at her side. She was a great woman who will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Until we meet again, dear mother and friend, “Du vil altid være I vores hjerter.” Tove is survived by her sons, Dennis (Jeff Fenne) and Danny; grandsons, Joshua, Colin, and Eric; and many extended family members residing in Denmark. She was preceded in death by her husband, Niels; her parents; brother, Erling; and sisters, Inge and Bente. A Memorial service and Celebration of Tove’s life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, 2013. A reception at the funeral home will follow the service. Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. until the time of service on Friday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420