Hofmaster, Velma Collingwood

Velma Collingwood Hofmaster, 96, of Cedar Rapids, died Friday, July 19, 2013. Services: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church, by the Rev. David Miller. Interment: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel, 1221 First Ave. SW.

Survivors include children, Janice McCrabb and Rick (Pat) Hofmaster; grandchildren, Renee Pityer, Kevin (Gaetana) Grinder, Todd (Janelle) Pityer, Donna (Gregg) Nichols, Brian (JaneAnn) Becicka, Daryl Becicka and Jennifer (Darin) Goss; 15 great-grandchildren; sisters, Marva Wilson and Doris VonAhsen; and brothers, Milford (Bernice) and Hawley (Gwen) Collingwood.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; daughters, Eileen Grinder and Sandra Becicka; brothers, Gerald and Sylvan Collingwood; and sisters, Dorothy Russbolt and Gladys Kempfert.

Velma was born Oct. 26, 1916, in Iowa County, to Roy and Emily Collingwood. She married Harold Hofmaster in 1936. She and Harold farmed in the Swisher area for many years.

Velma was a member of the College Circle Club and the Joy Group. Her hobbies included fishing, bird-watching, baking and gardening.

Velmas was so caring and loving, she was always surrounded by family and friends. She endured many challenges over the years but handled them with grace and resiliency. She touched many lives in many ways and will be missed by all who knew her.

Memorials may be directed to the American Red Cross or Trinity Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be sent to .

Published July 21, 2013 in The Gazette