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Alice Jean Hoffmeier

1935 - 2024

Alice Jean Hoffmeier obituary, 1935-2024, Cedar Rapids, IA

BORN

1935

DIED

2024

FUNERAL HOME

Teahen Funeral Home - Cedar Rapids

3100 F Avenue NW

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Alice Hoffmeier Obituary

Alice Jean Hoffmeier, 88 of Cedar Rapids, died on Sunday, February 4, 2024. Services: 10:30 a.m., Thursday at Bethany Lutheran Church by Rev. Ted Groth. Burial: 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Lowden Cemetery, Lowden. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m., at Teahen Funeral Home. Alice is survived by her daughter, Jean (Carey) Ash of Cedar Rapids and son, Erich Hoffmeier of Denver, CO; grandchildren, Emily and Austin Ash of Cedar Rapids and Callah and Brody Hoffmeier of Arvada, CO; brother, Dr. Jon (Becky) Ahrendsen of Clarion; sister Janice (Jim) Stanton of Bellevue, NE; brothers and sister in-laws, Leland (Pat) Hoffmeier of Maryville, IL, Willis (Barb) Hoffmeier of Novi, MI, and Morella (Dennis) Waitzman of Lathrup Village, MI; and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and -nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norvin in 2003 and her parents. Alice was born and raised on a farm near Manning on August 28, 1935, the daughter of Hugo and Eunice Grau Ahrendsen. She graduated from Manning High School in 1954 and continued her education with a B.A. in music from Buena Vista University, Storm Lake. She also earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of Iowa in 1962. Alice's teaching career included two years of instructing vocal music in Mapleton and later teaching music and math at Johnson Elementary School in Cedar Rapids and countless hours of substitute teaching. Alice married Norvin Hoffmeier on June 9, 1963 at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and her involvement extended to leadership roles, serving as the past president of the Home Missionary Society from 1978 to 1979, 2004 to 2005 and 2016 to 2017, the National LWML Society serving in many capacities including Society President from 1978 to 1979 and 2004 to 2005, Zone President from 2004 to 2006, District Vice President of Mission Education from 2000 to 2004 and the Parent-Teacher League from 1981 to 1982. She was the director of the men's choir for 25 years, sang in the chancel choir and taught German to the elementary school students. Alice did 17 mission trips to New York City, Alaska, Honduras, South Africa, Chile, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Paraguay and Philadelphia where she assisted with medical procedures and shared the love of Jesus. Alice was also a member of the Beethoven Club since 1967, serving as its president from 1977 to 1978, Washington Athletic Club Board, including the presidency from 1985 to 1986, Patrons of Performing Arts (PPA) Board, serving as president from 1988 to 1989 and was the only person to be inducted into both the Washington Athletic Club Hall of Fame and the Patrons of the Performing Arts Hall of Fame in 1994. Alice was a member of the Cedar Rapids Symphony Guild, serving as president-elect from 1993 to 1995 and president from 1995 to 1997. She loved attending the Cedar Rapids Symphony where she cultivated her love of classical music. She was honored to be chosen as an Olympic Torch Bearer in 1996 and was a recipient of the Buena Vista University National Alumni Association Award in 2008. Alice led a fulfilling and diverse life, leaving behind a legacy of diverse passions and cherished experiences. An unwavering Iowa Hawkeye fan, she cheered on her team with enthusiasm. A devoted reader, Alice found solace and excitement in the pages of countless books. She volunteered her time and talents by playing piano at Sunday services for many years at Hiawatha Care Center and taught hundreds of piano lessons. Her appreciation for the beauty of nature led her to enjoy bird watching, playing tennis, bicycle riding, and mountain climbing with her Hoffmeier family and completing RAGBRAI routes an impressive 30 times. Her love for exploration knew no bounds as she traveled to all 50 states and over 25 countries, collecting memories from diverse cultures. Alice was a dedicated supporter of her grandchildren, finding immense joy in watching them excel in sports and perform on stage in show choir and musicals. In her later years, Alice found comfort and spiritual solace in late-night devotions shared with her sister, Janice. Alice lived by the motto, "If you don't use it, you lose it. If I could still do something and enjoy it, I want to do it. I may just take it slower." She was a good and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior and was an extraordinary wife, mother grandmother, sister and aunt who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church and Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca in her memory. Online condolences can be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette from Feb. 6 to Feb. 7, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Alice Hoffmeier

Sponsored by Teahen Funeral Home - Cedar Rapids.

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Judith Carmichael

February 11, 2024

I was so saddened to read of the loss of my dear friend Alice. I send my sincere sympathies, prayers and love to your fine family. She was a wonderful, talented and loved friend. My condolences to her fine family.

Martha Booth

February 10, 2024

To Jean and Family, I am sorry to see that you have lost your mother. My deepest sympathies are with you. I hope you find comfort from the love of family and friends.

Cindy Lundine

February 9, 2024

I am so sorry to learn of Alice's recent passing. I first met Alice and Norvin years ago when they joined the St. Luke's bridge marathon and I continued playing with Alice up until the pandemic ended numerous such group activities. She was delightful to play with and I always looked very forward to the times when our foursome met at her condo. Although she always remarked about not being a coffee aficionado, hers was the best! And so were her desserts. And she always let me help clean up afterwards in her delightful kitchen, even providing me with an apron, so we could move on to the card table. I also much enjoyed visiting one-on-one with her and listening to the wonderful classical music playing in the background. I always loved seeing her painting of Zund's 'The Road To Emmaus' hanging over her sofa and having her show me her many pretty houseplants. Some time ago, she gave me a cutting from her large 'Moses In The Cradle,' and I always think of Alice when I water it. I'm so thankful to have met Alice and had the opportunity to enjoy our pleasant friendship for so many years. My sincere sympathy is extended to her family.

Rosie Russell

February 8, 2024

I extend my sympathy to Erich and all of the Hoffmeier family. It was a pleasure to know Alice through the years. We shared a love of the German language. I also still have a couple of the signature $2 bills she left after staying with us during RAGBRAI! She made the world a better place.

Kristin Beatty

February 8, 2024

I knew Alice from All-City Music Contest. She was so kind and friendly and always had a smile on her face. I know she impacted the lives of many, many children. I am so sorry for your loss.

Karin Laine

February 8, 2024

Dear, dear Alice! I knew Alice from my years in high school. She was literally everywhere I went; Washington High School music performances, CR Symphony concerts, Beethoven and Mozart Club, mom of Erich, cheering at the WHS sporting events. Her tireless energy, ever positive spirit, infectious smile, her busy walk, and calm listening juxtaposed in perfect harmony, will always be cherished by me, and I'm sure so many others. She championed my efforts in music, telling me and others of my work and accomplishments. Her enthusiasm was infectious. I have no doubt that she loved me, and I hope that she knows how much I love and appreciate her. We are all lucky to have had Alice in our lives.

Loretta Vogt

February 8, 2024

My sympathy to all the family. She fought the good fight! I knew Alice through LWML, a wonderful Christian lady. We enjoyed retreats at Io-Dis-E-Ca together. She led singing on bus to National convention.
I have mailed a donation in her memory to Camp.

Douglas G Kusel

February 8, 2024

I have known Alice and her family for many years growing up in Manning on a farm; our families sharing in duties and activities on our respective farming operations over the years. She had a phenomenal amount of energy, building relationships, serving and helping wherever and whenever she could.

My fondest memory is of Alice is her taking time to contact my elderly mother still living on her farm when Alice would come through Manning; sometimes on the phone, others in person and on several occasions staying overnight with her.

Relationships and giving of one’s time and talent are truly a gift from God. Rest in peace and in the love of our Lord.

Douglas G Kusel
Fair Oaks Ranch, TX

Karen Wichmann

February 7, 2024

I knew Alice through Iowa District East LWML where we both were members and served together. She was a wonderful person, full of love for her Lord and Savior. My sympathy on your loss and my rejoicing with you as heaven welcomed another saint. "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful."

Tracy Klein

February 7, 2024

I had the pleasure to meet Mrs. Hoffmeier when she would pick up Brody and Callah in my DayCare. She was a very kind, friendly person. I am sorry to hear of your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers . Tracy Klein Gale

Duane Kramer

February 7, 2024

To the Hoffmeier Family:
We were saddened to hear of Alice's passing. She was one of the kindest people I have ever known. She always greeted people with her contagious smile. She and Norvil made significant contributions to the Washington High School activities programs. TRUE WARRIORS. Our deepest sympathy.
Duane and Gini Kramer

Joni Noggle

February 7, 2024

I am so sorry for your loss. I met Alice many years ago as a paraeducator at Washington High School. Alice was a substitute teacher at that time and our contact continued over the years as Alice wintered her plants in the staff lounge at Wash. I love hearing her limericks when she came to visit. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Sharon Rosenberg

February 7, 2024

To the family of Alice Hoffmeier, I am so sorry for your loss. Alice was a neighbor and also a Dental Patient in my husbands Dental Practice. She was always cheerful and pleasant and had such interesting subjects to discuss. I know she will be missed. Mrs Harry Rosenberg

Pat Gonder

February 7, 2024

Dear Jean and family: Alice and I met on the bleachers at Washington High school watching our daughters play sports. Grateful to have known this bright cheerful enthusiastic lady. Any interaction with Alice over the years left me smiling and impressed with how she embraced life and stayed active despite some health concerns. Loved her spark and grace. The world has been enriched because of her advocacy and contributions.
With sincere sympathy.
Pat Ron Gonder

Diane Slawson

February 6, 2024

Alice was a true model of an LWML -- Women in mission, and an inspiration to me and other young Lutheran women. Her life was an example of the many ways we can "serve the Lord with gladness." Her love and support of music and the arts will surely be missed as well as her gentle sense of humor, playful spirit and caring ways. Rest in peace, Alice, cradled in the arms of your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Tom and Mary Galik

February 6, 2024

Dear Hoffmeier family,
It is with heavy hearts that we learned of Alice's passing, but with joy that we celebrate that her journey is now complete. She was such an inspiration to so many people throughout her entire life, and boldly professed her faith in everything that she did. She definitely lived life to the fullest! We met her while still living in Spencer, Ia. She was riding one of her many RAGBRAI trips with her brother -in-law and another young companion of his. She had had the Trinity church secretary send out notices to the various LCMS church offices along their route, asking for host homes to stay in. We responded by opening up our home, and the bond of friendship was instantaneous. We recall with a chuckle that her signature thank you was to leave a $2 bill in every place of lodging, which we still have. She was just such an amazing lady. We maintained correspondence and were able to connect full circle with her once we moved to Cedar Rapids several years ago. We will treasure this year's Christmas letter from her where she shared that she had sold her condo and moved in with her daughter and son-in-law. Truly, the Lord is saying "well done good and faithful servant" as He welcomed Alice into His kingdom.

Together on RAGBRAI in 2015

Jon Ahrendsen

February 6, 2024

I will miss my conversations with my sister. She always had a smiling face, a positive attitude, and an interest in the lives of myself, and my children and grandchildren. She instilled in me a love of travel by agreeing to take me along to Europe in 1972 to visit our sister Janice when her and Jim were stationed in Germany. I started her on her RAGBRAI journey in 1987 when we also traveled in a motorhome with our parents, Hugo and Eunice. I'm sorry I cannot be there now in person, when I am in Antarctica, but I will be there in spirit. I know Alice would understand. With a heavy heart, Goodbye Alice, May God be with you, your brother Jon.

Dan LeGrand

February 6, 2024

To Alice’s family. I am sorry for your loss.

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Memorial Events
for Alice Hoffmeier

Feb

7

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Teahen Funeral Home - Cedar Rapids

3100 F Avenue NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405

Feb

8

Service

10:30 a.m.

Bethany Lutheran Church

IA

Feb

8

Burial

2:30 p.m.

Lowden Cemetery

Lowden, IA

Funeral services provided by:

Teahen Funeral Home - Cedar Rapids

3100 F Avenue NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405

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