Art Hoefer

Art Hoefer, 73, of Swisher, passed away Thursday, March 29, 2018, in Cedar Rapids. Funeral Mass: 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at St. Ludmila Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by Reverend Ken Glaser. Visitation: 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Visitation also one hour prior to the service at church. Burial: Blain Cemetery, Swisher. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Karen; children, Dawn (Shawn) Kolosik, Tim (Ann) Hoefer, and Chad (Maria) Hoefer; grandchildren, Abi and Jared Kolosik, Kate, Aubrey, and Mya Hoefer, and Ryan Hoefer; brother, Charles; special niece, Lisa (Alan) Kalell; great-nephew, Jordan and 'niece, Lindsey Kalell; dogs, Agi and Mattie; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Arthur Joseph Hoefer was born February 13, 1945, in Dyersville, Iowa, to Arthur and Alma (Boge) Hoefer. He grew up in the Winthrop/Coggon area on a dairy farm, and attended East Buchanan High School, graduating in 1964. Art was introduced to Karen Eagle by her co-workers at a Wednesday night dance, asked her to dance, and the rest is history. They were married on April 19, 1969. He began working at Quaker as a machinist, retiring as a supervisor after 28 years in 2001. Art took pride in his children, who he taught to learn a love for the outdoors, help in the garden, shuck corn, how to mow'on a still-running 30 year-old-mower, how to manage finances, and the importance of treating other people well. Art always kept busy, and could be found caring for the acreage, chopping wood, mowing, going on daily walks with his Vizsla, Agi, and attending all of his grandkids' activities with Karen. He enjoyed being outdoors, including fishing, mushroom hunting, and hunting wild game. Art was a wonderfully funny, kind, and caring man, and a great role model for his children and grandchildren. He cherished spending time with his beloved family, and will be deeply missed by those who love him. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Jerry, Darlene, and Lyle; and many beloved animals. Art's family was honored to allow the Iowa Donor Network recover tissue to be donated to those in need. Memorials may be directed to the family, a portion of which will be given to the Alzheimer's Association in Art's name.