Daisy Croissant was born as Daisy La Von Hoke, the fourth child to her parents, Marie Ann (Kissler) and John Morgan Hoke, on March 4, 1931, in Keenesburg, CO. Her mom gave birth to her during a blizzard, so the doctor was unable to make it in time for the delivery. Consequently, her 16 years old aunt, Lottie, had the honor of being the mid-wife.
Daisy grew up with four brothers, Everett, Leonard, Melvin and Bob, and two younger sisters Donovay and Yvonne. Later, another sister, Mary, was born to her father and his second wife. Laughter and love were important ingredients with the Hoke siblings, which continued well into their adult lives. Daisy accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at the age of 8 and attended church regularly with her family. She learned how to play both the piano and the accordion and ministered in her Assembly of God church--sometimes on the radio--during her youth. Her mom became a single mother in the early 1940’s, and that is when her mom’s family, the Kisslers, became a major source of love and support to the family when she lived in the La Salle and Greeley areas. She attended Greeley Central High School where she was a popular student and a fast runner. She loved PE and enjoyed playing basketball, which was an interesting choice for someone who was barely over five feet tall! In 1946, she met Herbert Croissant at a “Dutch Hop” dance in Greeley. She knew he was “The One”, but she didn’t date him steadily until later in 1947. She and Herb were engaged in 1948, and married same year on November 28th, at St. Paul’s Congregational Church in Greeley. After their marriage, they leased, owned and farmed land through the first 22 years of their marriage, which produced varied crops and raised livestock in the Gill, Hereford, Wiggins and Ft. Morgan, CO.
As a young wife, Daisy was a “multi-tasker”, way before it became a catch phrase to describe that talent. She had her three children before the age of 24: Linda La Von in July of ‘50, Herbert Michael in March of ‘52, and Kurt. S. in July of ‘54. During this time, she became the quintessential farm wife: Cooking three large meals a day for her own family and hired help, driving farm trucks and operating equipment, raising her children, and taking care of their home and grounds. She was an expert seamstress and made most of the family’s clothing. Her cooking skills were superb. Also, while living in Wiggins, she worked as a bookkeeper for a gas company. Wherever Daisy, Herb and their children lived, they were part of the community churches in those areas. The family would take occasional day trips to the mountains, and on other occasions, she and Herb would get away on trips by themselves.
In 1970, she and Herb sold their farm near Ft. Morgan, and moved to the Denver area. They studied and received their real estate licenses from the State of CO. They sold farm, mountain, and commercial properties. In 1972, they purchased a new home in Southeast Denver. It was during this time in the early ‘70’ s when Herb and Daisy both experienced spiritual renewal in their lives, and they became members of Calvary Temple Church in Denver. Also, during this era, they were able to travel more, which included vacations to Mexico, CA and a Caribbean cruise.
In 1975, Daisy and Herb became grandparents, for the first time, to Alissa. Eventually, they gained six more grandchildren: Aaron, Gabe, Amanda, Jack, Gigi and Beau. Daisy was a young, peppy grandma, so the kids loved to be with her. Years later, in 2004, she became a great-grandma with the birth of Cameron, and in 2011, 2013, & 2016, to Robbie, Jackson, & James.
On January 2, 1983, Herb died unexpectedly at the age of 56, making her a widow at the age of 51. With the support of her family, friends, and God’s help, she survived this life-changing event. She remained active in her church groups and Bible studies. She mentored a few, younger women with her Christian faith and love. She enjoyed shopping and eating out with friends. She vacationed in Europe, in 1986, with her church group. She also traveled to Canada, Alaska and Las Vegas to see family and relatives. She went back to work, from 1988 to 1992, as a marketing director, for a retirement community, before retiring at 61.
Her youngest son, Kurt, died on Feb. 25th, 1996, in CA. Once again, she got through this difficult event with her faith & strength in God, and support from family and friends.
She sold her home of 26 years, in Southeast Denver, in the spring of ‘97. She moved back to her roots in Weld County, after purchasing a condominium in Greeley. She became a member of First Assembly of God Church nearby and kept active in small groups and activities there. She enjoyed being closer in location to family members there, plus making new friends. After surviving colon cancer and other health concerns in 1999-2003, she sold her condo and moved into her daughter’s home. She kept physically & mentally active with daily walking & reading. She was always known for being a sharp-dressed lady and loved to find bargains on her many shopping trips. In 2013 she started to experience an increase in physical illness & was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2014. In Feb. of 2018, she became a resident at Bonell Good Samaritan Center, in Greeley, before she passed away on June 11, 2018, at the age of 87.
Her survivors include daughter, Linda (& Fred) Azama of Greeley, son H. Michael (& Amy) Croissant of Brighton, 7 grandchildren, Alissa Hack of Leadville, Aaron (& Brooke) Hack of Ohio, Amanda (& Robb) Teague of Siloam Springs, AR, Gabe, Gigi and Beau Croissant of Brighton, and Jack (& wife Lisa Clark) Croissant of Denver, great-grandsons, Cameron Lundfelt of Anchorage, AK, and Robbie, Jackson, & James Teague of Siloam Springs, AR. Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Donna Hoke of Hereford, & Mary Ann Croissant, of Arvada, Martha Hoke of Olathe, KS, & sisters Doni Kimble of Longmont, Mary Jacobs of Ward, AR, & brother-in-law Allen Croissant of Longmont, plus many nieces, nephews, extended family, & dear friends.
Preceding her in death are husband, Herb, son, Kurt, son-in-law, Ken Hack, four brothers, Everett, Leonard, Melvin, & Bob, sister, Yvonne Stephens.