Four decades of caring
LaJean Hoof retires after 42 years of day care in LP
MAGGIE MCCALLUM
Correspondent
LaJean Hoof has called Lester Prairie her home
since she was 3 years old. Not only did she grow up
in the community, she has played an integral part in
the lives of many children who have grown up there
over the last four decades.
In 1976, after the birth of her son, Hoof struggled
with the decision to stay home and raise him or re-
turn to her full-time job.
Ultimately, she decided to stay home to raise her
son (and later her daughter), not knowing at the time
that childcare would be an even bigger part of her
future.
Following the death of a local day care provider,
Hoof made the decision to open up her home to the
families suddenly in need of day care. She explained
that it was not only a great opportunity for her to be
able to stay at home with her own children (and even-
tually grandchildren), but to provide care to other
children, as well.
Hoof retired earlier this year – 42 years after she
opened her home day care.
Children of all ages have been arriving as early as
6 a.m. and staying until 5 p.m. for more than four de-
cades. Eleven-hour days, five-days-a-week, has been
a normal work schedule for Hoof.
Hoof can’t put a number on how many children
have gone through her day care over the years, but
she noted she was always full, with 12 kids at a time
for as long as she has been in business.
Changes
There were some changes during the time she was
in business. Hoof stated that in the early years, many
of the children were from Lester Prairie and their
parents lived and worked in the community.
However, as the years progressed, more and more
families had one or both parents commuting to the
metro for work.
She added that over the course of her career, addi-
tional regulations were enacted by the state, and more
mandatory training was required.
Happy memories
Many of Hoof’s favorite memories were docu-
mented in pictures. Sometimes, to her delight, the
pictures of fond memories would be pinned to the
picture board at graduation parties. She said that she
still feels a part of these families, and explained that
she created meaningful, lasting bonds with many of
the children she cared for.
Hoof has even taken care of the children of chil-
dren she took care of in the past.
Hoof said she loves getting invited to graduations
and weddings, and seeing the excitement of people
she cared for as children when they see her again.
Hoof said that she will miss the hugs and how re-
warding it has been to help raise the children in her
community. She will miss the “I love yous” from the
kids, and how good it felt when the kids just wanted to
stay a little longer. She said they will always continue
to be an extension of her family. When she sees them,
there are always lots of hugs and memories shared.
What’s next?
Now, in retirement, LaJean and her husband, Don,
will enjoy more time spent traveling, motorcycling,
and fishing.
Quality
Care
&
Quality of
Life
Don and LaJean Hoof have been involved in the Lester
Prairie community for decades. LaJean recently retired
after operating a daycare for 42 years.
PHOTO BY MAGGIE MCCALLUM
With her parents aging, Hoof said she knew it was
time for her to focus on her family. Her father passed
away recently, and she was grateful for the extra time
she was able to spend with him.
Hoof remains close to her family. She has her two
children and three grandchildren living nearby.
Hoof also stays busy volunteering her time with
the yearly community festival, Prairie Days, of which
she has been a part of since its inception. Addition-
ally, Hoof is part of the women’s league at St. Paul’s
Lutheran Church. She is starting to volunteer with
the sandwich ministry at the local church, as well.
Hoof is well-known in her community and the sur-
rounding area, and it seems likely she will long be
remembered for her years of caring for many chil-
dren in Lester Prairie, and for the volunteer work she
continues to do today.
Located in the friendly
river city of Watertown
• Comfortable, modern facility
• Aff ordable for your family
• Friendly and caring staff
Cokato Charitable Trust, home of:
Heritage Place
Cokato Manor
(320) 286-3118
Home Health
Medicare
Certifi ed
Brookridge
Home
Health
Agency
(320) 286-3196
CHARITABLE TRUST
182 Sunset Ave N, Cokato
(320) 286-2158
www.cokatoseniorcare.com
Pro Rehab
(Contracted)
Speech, Occupational
and
Physical Therapies
Edgewood Gables
(320) 286-2159
Cokato Manor
(320) 286-2158
952-955-1399
209 Jeff erson Ave SW. | Watertown, MN 55388
WestwoodPlaceWatertown.com