Charlotte Hoermann

CHARLOTTE HOERMANN

Cedar Rapids

Charlotte Ellen Hoermann, beloved mother of Martha B. Stevenson, Susan H. Storm (Arni) and John W. Hoermann (Kimm), was ushered into heaven peacefully on Dec. 15, 2017.

Charlotte was born in Chicago, Ill., on June 10, 1925, to Leila Brooks Hoxsey and Garrett Hoxsey. Charlotte lost her father at age 5 and was raised in an orphanage during the Great Depression because her mother struggled financially as so many did. She overcame adversity at a young age and with her spirited ambition and stunning beauty started modeling for the Patricia Stephens Agency in Chicago, New York City and Denver. She also danced in the Chicago Theatre and taught dance at the prestigious Arthur Murray Dance Studio. Charlotte enjoyed her adventurous 20s, but always said her greatest joy was becoming a mother, which her children gladly and affectionately testify to.

She had many commitments as the wife of an executive (M. J. Holloway Candy Co.) and mother of three. Charlotte was deeply involved with her local chapter of the Daughters of The American Revolution (DAR). She started the first-ever women's Bible study in her Lake Forest, Ill., home (circa 1965) and faithfully worked at Sheridan School in Lake Forest for many years.

Charlotte's family, friends and colleagues always will remember her as a beautiful, kind-hearted, devoted and genuinely loving woman, who gave her time and energy to serving others, her community and her church. Charlotte was the "glue" in her family, and although her life was filled with tragedy, she glowed with joy and a zest for life. She loved a good joke and her laughter was contagious. Charlotte was dearly loved by many, from the teenagers of the youth group she mentored, to her peers in the choir (into her early 80s), friends from long ago and certainly her nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She had an immense love for chocolate and an undeniable devotion and love for her family but, most importantly and evident, was Charlotte's love and passion for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her children thank God and their mom for the rich and very real spiritual legacy that she has bestowed on her family.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life with a date still to be determined in Cedar Rapids in spring 2018.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Meth-Wick Community (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), where she enjoyed the last six years of a remarkable life.