Hofmeyer, Gerald Duane 1931-1953

HOFMEYER, VERSTEEG

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 6/6/2017 at 16:40:56

Source: Alton Democrat (7-30-1953)

Born: January 15, 1931
Died: May 29, 1953

RITES AT HOSPERS FOR GERALD HOFMEYER, KOREAN WAR VICTIM

Gerald Duane Hofmeyer, who made the supreme sacrifice for home and country May 29th in Korea, was brought to his home near Hospers Friday. Saturday afternoon funeral services were held at the home and at the Presbyterian Church, of which he was a devoted member. Reverend Henry Eggink assisted by Reverend A. Hellinga was in charge of the services. Business places were closed and flags flown at half mast.

Gerald was born to Mr. and Mrs. Harry and Anna (Ver Steeg) Hofmeyer January 15, 1931 on the farm east of Hospers where he grew to manhood , graduating from Hospers High School with the class of 1949. His class attended the services in a body. He entered the U.S. Army November 19, 1952 and received basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas. In April of this year he went home on a 12-day furlough before going overseas. He had been at the front just a week when he was killed by a hand grenade.

Survivors are his parents, two brothers, Kenneth and Ronald, three sisters, Mary, Eleanor, and Carol, and his fiancée, Joyce Te Stroete whom he was to wed on his return; and his grandmothers, Mrs. Rena Hofmeyer of Hospers, Mrs. M. Ter Selle of Firth, Nebraska.

A quartet including Marion Hulst, Gerrit Kastein, Bob Boersma and Clifford Mansen sang “Jesus in Tenderly Calling” and Mrs. Ed Oldenkamp and Gracia Vander Weerd sang a duet, “Does Jesus Care?”

Pallbearers were cousins and classmates: Gerry Van Surksum, Glen Hofmeyer, Darrel Hofmeyer, Gary Te Stroeteof honor, Andy Miedema and Wally Van Meeteren.

The American Legion had charge of ceremonies at the cemetery east of Hospers, with the salute of honor, presentation of the flag to the parents of the young hero, and final “Taps.”