In Memory of Clinton L. Hoferman

Clinton L. Hoferman, age 86, of Storm Lake, Iowa (formerly of Alta, Iowa) passed away on Sunday, May 13, 2018, at Fonda Specialty Care of Fonda, Iowa.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 17, 2018, at the United Methodist Church of Alta, Iowa. Rev. Robert J. Strand and Pastor Kim A. Dewey will officiate; with Committal Services following in the Woodlawn Cemetery of Alta, Iowa, with Military Rites conducted by the VFW Post No. 6172 of Alta, Iowa and the United States Army Reserve. A Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at the United Methodist Church of Alta, Iowa. The Christensen -Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

          Clinton was born November 1, 1931, to Leo and Mamie (Schoen) Hoferman on the family farm, east of Storm Lake, Iowa.  Growing up he graduated from Alta Consolidated School, Alta, in 1951.  Following school, he entered the United States Army on April 8, 1952, where he served his country in Japan during the Korean Conflict.  He served with the 10^th Mt. Division and the 1^st Cavalry Division.  He spent his 17 months overseas playing his baritone in the Army Band. He was honorably discharged March 13, 1954.

          Clinton began playing the baritone horn at age 7. He was in the high-school band by 5^th grade and began playing with the Storm Lake Municipal Band at the age of 15.  The family tells stories how band director Karl King used to drive out to the family farm to pick up Clinton in order to play in his band.  Clinton played in the Storm Lake Municipal Band for 70 years, retiring just last year.

          On September 19, 1954, Clinton was united in marriage to Ruth Jeniece Patten at the Presbyterian Church in Alta.  Together they were blessed with 4 daughters, Diane, Joan, Colleen and Lisa, 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

          Clinton was a member of the United Methodist Church in Alta, Iowa, where he always put God first in his life.

          Clinton was a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 6172, Alta, Iowa.  He was All State Commander for 12 years and All American Commander for 2 years.  He was also the 8^th District Commander and then Iowa State Commander in 1995-96.  He served as Chaplain for his post, 6172, 8^th District, Department of Iowa and the Big Ten Conference for 14 years.  He also was the Veterans Service Officer for Buena Vista County, Iowa, for many years.

          Clinton was a life-long farmer.  He loved the land and the outdoors – hunting and fishing as much as possible.  He enjoyed relaxing with his buddies at the “office” (Hy-Vee coffee shop).  Above all, he loved spending time with family.  They were the love of his life!

          Clinton is survived by his wife, Ruth, of 63 years; Diane (Bruce) Radke of Clinton, Iowa; Joan (Roger) Pence of Gilbert, AZ; Colleen (Barry) Sharp of Rogers, MN; and Lisa (Troy) Miranowski of Coon Rapids, MN.  11 grandchildren:  Christopher (Courtney) Radke of Clinton, Iowa; Joshua (Stephanie) Radke of Iowa City, Iowa; Meghann Radke (Robert) MacKinnon of Otsego, MN; Jason (Hollie) Miska of Fallbrook, CA; Andrea Miska (Brandon) Pufall of San Tan Valley, AZ; Clinton (Addie) Sharp of New Bern, NC; Matthew Sharp of Otsego, MN; Rachael Sharp of Fargo, MN; Anthony (Jenny) Miranowski of Coon Rapids, MN; Connor (Meagan) Miranowski of Coon Rapids, MN; and Tayhler Miranowski of Coon Rapids, MN.  20 great-grandchildren:  Owen, Hudson, Finley, Penelope and Jonas Radke; Oliver and Amelia Radke; Miranda, Anthony, Natalie and Alyssa MacKinnon; Leroy, Mackenzie and Noah Miska; Madison Miska; Ryker and Asher Sharp; Levi Miranowski; Bayleigh and Charlie Miranowski. His brother, Boyd (Marilu) Hoferman; Sister, Donna (Robert) Strand; sister-in-law Margie Hoferman; brothers-in-law, Neil (Pat) Patten, and Doug Patten, sister-in-law Darlene Patten; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

          Clinton was preceded in death by his parents, Leo (1960) and Mamie (1983) Hoferman; his brother, Duane Hoferman (2012); brothers-in-law Tom Patten (2010) and Kenny Patten (2012), and sister-in-law, Virginia Patten (2014).