Alice Jean Hoffmeier
Alice Jean Hoffmeier
Cedar Rapids
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.