Bernadine Hoffman

BERNADINE HOFFMAN

Independence

Bernadine May Hoffman waved goodbye to her family and friends on July 14, 2017. She was 93 years old.

Bernadine was born May 31, 1924, in Independence, Iowa, just ahead of a twin sister, Bernadette. Her parents were Ira John and Grace Imogene (Brown) Clue. When she was only

9 years old, her mother died. She later gained a new mother and friend, Marge (Deyo) Clue.

On April 6, 1945, she married Warren G. Hoffman. While hard work and raising a family were their priorities, they also found time to become great square dancers. This activity created many family activities with friends that extended far beyond the dances.

She was a caring and nurturing parent of four children, and was an active Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts adult leader. She also was a member of First United Methodist Church, where she served on various committees. It also is important to note that Bernadine loved to learn about computers and the internet. She always searched out information for family and friends and was an avid user of Facebook to keep up with family and speak out on politics. She also was passionate about gardening and loved to cook.

Bernadine was preceded in death by her mothers; her father; her infant sister, Connie Marie Clue; her brothers-in-law, Gene Klenzman of Marion, Ohio, and Claire Kuchenburg of Independence; and her older brother, Laverne Ira Clue of Summerset, Ky.

Surviving are her twin sister, Bernadette Kuchenburg of Marion, Ohio; her younger brother, Ira John (Rosie) Clue of Rochelle, Ill.; her sister-in-law, Jo Clue of Summerset, Ky.; her daughters, Margorie K. Merfeld of Cedar Rapids and Nancy M. Smith of Marion; and her sons, Ronald J. (Vicki) Hoffman of Charles City and Dennis R. (Dawn) Hoffman of Waterloo. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Kristen (Matt) Gillam of Deforest, Wis., Brian (Debbie) Merfeld of Cedar Rapids, Sarah (Warren) Schmitt of North Sioux City, S.D., Heather (Vince) Penningroth of Ankeny, Angela (Shawn) Peverill, Dana Sparks and Andy Hoffman, all of Waterloo, and Rebecca (Aaron) Orth of Coggon; 15 great- grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Bernadine will be remembered for creating a positive, welcoming home that always was open to family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 19, at First United Methodist Church in Independence, with the Rev. Scott Meador officiating. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery in Independence. Friends may call for visitation after 9 a.m. Wednesday at the church.

Online condolences may be left at www.White-MtHope.com.

White Funeral Home of Independence is in charge of arrangements.