Hofmeyer, Elmer John, 1931-2003

HOFMEYER, MOUW, KLUIS

Posted By: Mary Lou Verburg Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/27/2014 at 09:03:57

Born: October 26, 1931 Rural Orange City, Iowa
Died: November 10, 2003 Orange City, Iowa

Elmer John Hofmeyer, 72 of Orange City died Mon. Nov. 10, at the Heritage House Nursing Home in Orange City.

Funeral service was Thursday, Nov. 13, at 10 a.m. at First Reformed Church in Maurice with Rev. Wayne Sneller officiating. Interment was at West Lawn Cemetery in Orange City.

Hofmeyer was born Oct. 26, 1931 in rural Orange City, the son of John J. and Wilhelmina "Myna" (Mouw) Hofmeyer. He was raised on a farm south of Orange City, where he attended country school. He then was employed by neighboring farmers, by a packing plant in Sioux City and by De Stigter Construction in Sioux Center. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. On Sept. 21, 1956, he married Wanda Arlene Kluis in Maurice. They farmed near Carnes until 1962, when they moved to the family farm at Orange City. In 1981, they moved into Orange City, but he continued to farm with his son, Bruce. Since Oct. 21 of this year, he has lived at the Heritage House in Orange City.

He was raised in Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City and was currently a member of First Reformed Church in Maurice. He also belonged to the Pressman-Kosters American Legion Post in Orange City. He enjoyed playing pool, gardening and working in his tool shop. He restored several old tractors with the help of his son. The couple spent the past several winters at the Fountain of Youth Spa at Niland, CA. They he participated in the old-fashioned hymn sings each Sunday afternoon.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years; three sons, Terry and his wife Colette, Bruce and his wife Carol, all of Orange City, and Steve and his special friend, Julie Lenz, both of Sioux City; and eight grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Ruth Vanderham.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice.

Source: Local Paper after 11/10/2003