Hoefer, Robert J. - 1926-2012

BAKER, CROWLEY, HELVEY, HOEFER, MERRITT

Posted By: Polk Volunteer
Date: 7/22/2024 at 10:29:03

Robert J. Hoefer of Urbandale, IA passed away March 12, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family. A Celebration of Life is planned April 25, at 1 p.m. in West Des Moines at the Embassy Club West. Bob was born December 1, 1926 in Charter Oak, IA. His family relocated to Sioux City where he lived for the majority of his life. He attended Central High School where he was a football and softball stand out. He served his Country in the US Army during World War II.
After the war he returned to Sioux City and enrolled in Morningside College where he continued his football prowess. It was here he met the love of his life Dorothy Baker. After a lively courtship they were married March 12, 1949.
Bob joined his father, Chris in the family business, JDD which sold equipment and materials to John Deere implement dealers. While at JDD he took an interest in another industry and through his client base he began his life insurance career in 1955 with Prudential. He loved the business and was the first Million Dollar producer in the state of IA.
In 1966 Bob and his brother Bill started The Administrators in Sioux City. This business was a TPA and health insurance provider. They built the business with their sons insuring school districts, municipalities, businesses and associations. Bob continued in the life insurance business and in 1975 he purchased Brokers Clearing House, LTD in West Des Moines, IA. This entity provided a brokerage outlet to insurance producers for products, services, and underwriting expertise not otherwise available to them. Bob was active in his industry. He was a lifelong member of NAIFA, Life Inc., a founder of LifeMark Partners, Inc. and helped to establish NAILBA. He was a Life & Qualifying member of MDRT.
Bob was instrumental in his community raising funds for countless organizations. He was a member of the ABU BEKR Shrine and a 50 year member of the Tyrian Lodge in Sioux City. He was a lifelong Democrat and was active in politics on every level. He was a devoted Iowa Hawkeye but was big enough to cheer for all Iowa teams.
He was an avid reader who loved to engage those he met in spirited conversation on any type of current affairs, business, sports or politics. He traveled all over the world with his wife Dorothy and other family members.
Bob was a person of integrity, honesty and confidence: the kind of man whose word was his bond. He always put family and friends first. He achieved success by dreaming big, taking risks, following his passion and diligently honoring his craft.
His surviving family includes Barbara Crowley of West Des Moines, IA; Gail Merritt of Scottsdale, AZ; Mark (Tanya) Hoefer of West Des Moines, IA. ; grandchildren Robert Crowley, Ryan Merritt, Brandon Merritt, Danielle Hoefer, Carlie Hoefer, Stacey Helvey, and a great granddaughter Kendall Merritt.
He was preceded in death by his parents Chris and Lela Hoefer, his brother William Hoefer, his sister Mary Jane Hoefer and his beloved wife Dorothy Hoefer.
Charitable donations may be made to Hope Ministries at info@hopeiowa.org, NAILBA Charitable Foundation at www.nailba.org or The Variety Club of Iowa at www.varietyiowa.com.
Published in Des Moines (IA) Register; Sunday, March 18, 2012, page 8B