Gilbert "Gib" Hoffer

     Gilbert “Gib” Hoffer, age 91, of Decorah, IA, died on Friday, March 28, 2014, at the Gundersen Health Systems in LaCrosse, WI.        A memorial mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 3, 2014, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 307 West Main Street, Decorah, IA, with Rev. Phil Gibbs presiding. Burial will be held at a later date. There will be military rites at the church following the service by the Helof Holm VFW Chapter #1977.        Friends may call after 9:30 a.m., at the church on Thursday morning. The Schluter – Balik Funeral Home in Decorah is in charge of arrangements.        Gilbert Edward Hoffer was born on September 16, 1922, the son of Edward Henry and Mayme Mary (Long) Hoffer in Mount Angel, Oregon. Gib graduated from St. Benedict’s Prep School in 1941. Gib served in the US Navy from 1942-45, aboard the USS Steamer Bay, primarily in the Pacific theatre during WWII. Gilbert married Helen Middlemiss on November 27, 1946, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mt. Angel, Oregon. Gib and Helen came to Iowa in 1947 and he worked in sales in Spencer and Emmetsburg. While working for the Cadco Company, Gib was promoted to sales manager and was transferred to Des Moines in 1976. He moved to Decorah in 1986 and retired in 1996. Gib’s hobbies included fishing for trout, hunting, golfing, playing cards and being outdoors. He was a member of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, Helof Holm VFW Chapter #1977, and the Silvercrest Golf Course. He was one of the first volunteer members of Hospice, taking care of the first Hospice patient.      Gib’s survivors include his wife, Helen Hoffer, Decorah, IA. One daughter: Donna (Eugene) Herman, New Albin, IA. Two sons: Paul Hoffer, Humble, TX and Todd Hoffer, Clarinda, IA. In addition, Gib is survived his three grandchildren: Ryan (Sarah) Herman, Caledonia, MN, Heather (Ryan) Loock, Green Bay, WI, and Brad Hoffer, Humble, TX. Six great grandchildren: Margaret “Maggie” and William “Will” Herman; Paige and triplets, Jacoby, Amber and Lily Loock (which Gib was able to meet moments before he passed away). One brother: Robert (Nella) Hoffer, Union City, CA. One sister: Regina Klienschmit, Mt. Angel, OR. One sister-in-law: Margaret Hoffer, Mt. Angel, OR, and many nieces and nephews.      Gib was preceded in death by his parents: Edward and Mayme (Long) Hoffer. Three brothers: Victor, Eugene and Paul Hoffer. One sister: Leona Kehoe.