Joan A. Hofmeister

Joan Agnes Hobkirk Hofmeister, 88, went to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus, Christ, and all the saints in heaven on Sunday, September 15, 2013, at her home. Joan was the daughter of Robert and Loveday Ann Philp Hobkirk, born September 15, 1925, in Spratt, MI. At age 10, her family moved to Bad Axe where her ancestors had settled three generations before. She finished elementary and high school in Bad Axe, graduating in 1943. Her extracurricular activities in high school included a championship debate team, drama, drum majorette and cheerleading.

On December 31, 1943, Joan married Lt. Franklin O. Hofmeister, native of Sebewaing and newly graduated Air Force pilot, at Liberal, KS. The Hofmeisters were married just less than 67 years when Frank passed away on September 19, 2010.

Most of Joan's adult life was devoted to service to her church and community. She was secretary for every organization she affiliated with including Immanuel Lutheran Church, Unionville-Sebewaing Area Board of Education, Sebewaing Chamber of Commerce, International Valparaiso University Guild, Lutheran Child and Family Services, local Valpo Guild, Thumb Area Community Theatre and sundry church and school groups. She and some young mothers organized a service group for high school youth called People Helping People. She was a Walther League counselor for 29 years, USA Drama coach for 19 years, taught the Bethel Bible series and bible classes for seventh and eighth grades. Many of the church banners were made by her, usually with the help of others. She designed and drew patterns for the stained glass windows Frank made for the Great Room at Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Joan and Frank received the Friends of Youth award as a couple; she was awarded the Liberty Bell award by Huron County lawyers; a Citizen of the Year award by the Sebewaing community and a citizen award by Aid Association for Lutherans. In 2004 she and Joanne Rummel organized the Thumb Area Community Theatre where she served as Senior Advisor. She would like people to remember that there is a time capsule planted in the city park, a few feet west of the big pheasant sign, to be raised at some significant anniversary.

Joan was partner with her husband in developing the Sebewaing Airport and Hofmeister Flying Service in 1947. In 1957 they built the Airport Resort Motel which she managed for 31 years.

All four of the Hofmeister children survive their parents; they are Connie (James Schweigert, Minneapolis; Frank II (Barbara Schnepp), Buena Vista, CO; Donna (Allen) Poellet, Frankenmuth; and Kurt (Kaye Vogel), Bay City. There are 9 grandchildren: Jeffrey (Anna) Schweigert, Julie (Wayne) Thebeau, Michael (Heidi) Schweigert, Trista Poellet (Sean) Hudson, Mindy Poellet (Jason) Worden, Libby Poellet (Jim) Cody, Aaron Hofmeister, Kerry and Kendra Hofmeister. Twelve great grandchildren round out the Hofmeister family.

Visitation will be Friday, Sept. 20, from 2-7pm and Saturday, Sept. 21, from 1-4pm at Juengel & Mellendorf Funeral Home in Sebewaing.

Burial will take place immediately following visitation Saturday at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

The funeral service will be Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013 at Immanuel Lutheran Church at 5pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church-General Fund.