Frank ’30 and Elsa Hotfelder
Frank Hotfelder ’30 was a proud alumnus of St. Louis University High. His great nephew, Dr. Joseph Otten, recalls his uncle looking back on his time at SLUH fondly and how he valued the excellent education he received there.
Frank, known affectionately as “Bus,” was born and raised in St. Louis. He met his wife of many years, Elsa, at a young age, growing up in the same neighborhood.
After Frank’s time at SLUH, he took courses in the brewing arts. He spent 22 years with Carling National Breweries. He finished his career in Baltimore, Maryland, as head brewmaster and belonged to the Master Brewers Association of America.
Frank and Elsa were about as close as any couple could be, their nephew recalls. “My uncle was a very kind and gentle man,” Joseph says. “He adored my Aunt Elsa, and they were very devoted to each other.”
Frank and Elsa loved travel and possessed a lifelong affinity for learning. Combining the two passions, they’d often visit historical sites throughout the country each year. They also shared a love of golf. After Frank retired in 1976, they moved to Clearwater, Florida, where they could enjoy their beloved hobby together year-round.
Frank passed away in 2006. Elsa then moved back to St. Louis to be with family. She remained active, participating in the Mature Mile Walk at Forest Park well into her hundreds.
SLUH is grateful to be among the things cherished in life by Frank and Elsa, who showed their appreciation for the school by naming it as a beneficiary of their estate. Their legacy will endure through the establishment of the Frank ’30 and Elsa Hotfelder partially endowed scholarship to benefit future generations of Jr. Bills.
Like the Hotfelders, you can give back to SLUH by including a gift in your estate plan. Contact Linda Domeyer at ldomeyer@sluh.org or (314) 269-2113 to learn more about giving options.