COLLEEN A. HOFMEISTER

Colleen Hofmeister, 92, of Elgin, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on December 31, 2022.

Colleen was born on August 7, 1930 to loving parents Harm and Anna (Struthoff) Tjabring in Dumont, Iowa.

She grew up working on the farm and being the right-hand gal to her parents.

She graduated high school with the class of 1948 from Geneva High School in Geneva, Iowa. After high school she attended business college in Waterloo, Iowa. Due to family needs, her studies were interrupted requiring her to return to the farm.

Colleen’s father hired a local young man named Howard to do some custom hay bailing. When Howard came to work at the farm she caught his eye, and knew that he wanted to get to know her better. In time, they grew to love each other, and in 1951 Colleen and Howard were married. Soon thereafter, they were off to San Diego, where Colleen would be a proud navy wife. In 1955, Howard was hired by TWA airline and moved to Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Then in 1966, they relocated to the home that they built together outside of Plato Center, Illinois.

Colleen spent a year as the PTA President in Hoffman Estates, while her children attended the local grade school. She was also a proud, longtime member of The Congregational United Church of Christ in Campton Hills. She served on many committees, one of her favorites was the women’s fellowship group. Many of Colleen’s years were spent volunteering at Delnor Hospital and the Northern Illinois Food Bank.

Her profession as a homemaker was a full time duty. She was involved in many of her children’s activities during their school years, as well as juggling her church obligations. She had a hand in building her own home with her husband Howard, and she had a pleasant time completing it and living there for over 50 years. Colleen had many hobbies: some including, crafting, sewing, needle work, gardening, church activities, spending time with her grandchildren, and genealogy. Genealogy research took her back to Salt Lake City, Utah annually, as well as, Germany and Holland several times. She loved the time that she spent with her family, friends, and neighbors.

Colleen is survived by her husband of 71 years: Howard Hofmeister; her children: Mark (Janet) Hofmeister, Bruce Hofmeister, Scott Hofmeister, Denice (Steve) Koulback; 8 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and a community of friends.

Colleen is preceded in death by her parents: Harm and Anna Tjabring, her sister and brother-in-law: Mavis (Paul) Leubbers; and her brother: Ronnie Tjabring.

Colleen’s family is going to hold a visitation in her honor on January 6, 2023 from 5-8 PM at Conley Funeral Home 116 W Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. There will be a service following the next day January 7, 2023 at 10:30 AM at The Congregational United Church of Christ 40W451 Fox Mill Blvd., St. Charles, IL 60175.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Colleen’s name. Checks and donations may be sent to The Congregational United Church of Christ 40W451 Fox Mill Blvd., St. Charles, IL 60175, or to The Northern Illinois Food Bank 273 Dearborn Court, Geneva, IL 60134. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.