HOWARD HOFMEISTER

Howard Fredrick Hofmeister age 96 of rural Elgin/Campton Hills, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2024. Born into a family of Iowa farmers on Ground Hogs Day 1928. The youngest of five, it seemed likely he would follow in the footsteps of those who came before him and live out his life in the field of agriculture. But destiny had a life high above the ground in store for him. Education amounted to eight years in a one room schoolhouse followed by high school in a graduating class of 1945. Away from the farm, he struggled through two years of college at Iowa State when fate stepped in. WWII was winding down, but the draft was still in effect. So, while seated in a hallway in his skivvies alongside other young men waiting to be called in for their army physical, he saw posted on a bulletin board across from where he was seated, a flyer announcing a new Navy program instituted by an Admiral Holloway seeking those interested in becoming a Navy pilot. Previously to even have a chance of becoming a pilot one had to have a bachelor’s degree. With this new program only two years of college gave those who passed the requisite testing the opportunity to take to the sky. Long story short, he wrote down the phone number, made the call, passed the testing and thereafter entered a life of aviation, never to return to Iowa except for visits.

Highlights of his career as an aviator were nine years active duty in the Navy starting in 1946, earning his wings in 1949 and his commission the following year. Two subsequent years were spent flying surveillance missions during the Korean War. 1952-1955 saw him stateside as a flight instructor. His active-duty service ended later in 1955 when he opted to leave active duty and pursue a career as a commercial airline pilot. He remained with the Navy as a reservist for the next thirteen years, retiring from service in 1968 as a squadron C.O. with the rank of commander. His career in commercial aviation spanned 33 years, all with TWA. Most of those years he instructed and flew as a check pilot, the last ten of which he flew international routes. As was federal law at the time, he was forced out of the cockpit when he turned 60. However, he still managed to fly well into his 70’s, owning several private airplanes with which he provided transport for many a friend and family member to go on fishing trips to Canada and the like.

Being a people person he was a member of and involved in many social and professional organizations. Most of his memberships were with military and commercial aviation groups such as: The Flying Midshipman’s Assoc.; Assoc. of Naval Aviation; The Retired Officer’s Assoc.; Glenview Survivors; American Legion; TARPA; TWA Seniors; Hanger One Foundation.

He was a lifetime member of the Congregational United Church of Christ, for which he held many positions and lent a helping hand on many church related projects. He also served as trustee with the Pingree Grove Fire Protection District from 1988-2004.

His hobbies and pastimes were hunting, fishing, building/fixing things, card games (cribbage, poker, bridge), playing with the grandkids, travel and of course, flying.

Howard was preceded in death by his loving wife of 71 years, Colleen (neé Tjabring); brothers William, Ernest; sisters Alma (Abbas), Ruth (Oelmann)                                                                                He is survived by sons Mark (Jan), Scott, Bruce; daughter Denice (Steve); grandchildren Jamie (Rob), Sam (Maleeha), Nina (Victor), Lauren (Chris), Hayley (Trip), Emma (Calvin), Jackie (Ryan), Jenny, and 15 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Friday June 7, 2024, from 5 to 8pm at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. Service the following morning June 8, at 10:30am at The Congregational United Church of Christ, 40W451 Fox Mill Blvd, St. Charles, IL 60175. In lieu of flowers donations can be made on behalf of Howard Hofmeister to: The National Naval Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola, FL. 32508 or, Elburn American Legion Post 630, 112 N. Main St., Elburn, Il, 60119