Barbara A. Hofferber

Barbara Ann Hofferber, 71, passed away Thursday, May 30, 2019 at her home in Des Moines.

Barb was born July 27, 1947 in Langdon, South Dakota to Rev. Gehard and Ellen (Shoquist) Weise. She graduated from Hoisington Rural High School in Hoisington, KS. Barb went to college at Fort Hays State, during which time she met the love of her life, George Fred Hofferber, Jr., in the summer of 1968. They were married on February 7, 1970, and were blessed with three children. She earned her Master’s Degree in Nursing from Wichita State University, where she was active in the Student Nurses Club, and was honored to be Harry S. Truman’s nurse while in Kansas City. She moved with her family to Iowa in 1986.

Nursing was Barb’s lifelong passion. She was a nursing instructor for Des Moines Area Community College for 16 years and also worked in the mental health field for Broadlawn’s Hospital and Iowa Lutheran Hospital. She loved teaching future nurses to be the best nurses they could be, and was pleased when she encountered her former students serving as nurses later in life. Barb made powerful, positive impacts on countless people. She lived to help others.

Barb was a workaholic, but still found time to do the things she loved. The ocean and beach held a special place in her heart. She loved traveling anywhere she could walk on the beach, dip her toes in the water, and pick up shells. Barb and Fred had a passion for hosting international guests, beginning in 1996 with Kofu High School students and evolving into hosting over 300 people from all over the world through several different organizations. They loved the enrichment the cultural exchanges provided them. Her hobbies included needlepoint, camping, and building a good campfire. Her family was her first priority, and her grandkids were her pride and joy.

Barb is survived by her husband, George “Fred” Hofferber; daughters, LeeAnn (Alex) Albright and Kerry (Kennie) Bowlin; son, Colin (Brianna) Hofferber; grandchildren, Carver, Emerson, Louis and Josephine Albright, and Ellen and Eugene Bowlin; sisters, Mary Ellen Sanders, Carol Robison, Catherine LaParade and Melba Tipton; and many other loving family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Gehard and Ellen Weise; brother, Gerry Weise; and sister, Victoria Leonard.

There will be a celebration of life at Windsor Heights Community Center, 6900 School Street, Windsor Heights, IA on Sunday, June 16, 2019 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

In remembrance of Barb, memorials may be made to Iowa Nurses Association.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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