Memorials › Irving Stephen Hoffbauer

Irving Stephen Hoffbauer

25 Dec 1926 – 26 Dec 2018

Birth25 Dec 1926
Death26 Dec 2018
Added byTheIrishScourge on 04 Jan 2019
FaGhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/195656242

Bio

Irving (Irv) S Hoffbauer died on December 26, a day after his 92nd birthday. "Born on a dustbowl farm" in Brainard, NE, to Jacob and Rose (Dobesh) Hoffbauer, Irv left the family farm at 17 to serve in the US Navy. He was stationed in the Pacific Theater during WWII, where he was in Naval Intelligence on the USS Piedmont. A great believer in education, Irv graduated from Wayne State College in 1951 on the GI bill and went on to teach in Omaha then Des Moines at Drake University, later embarking on a life-long career as a CPA. He eventually created Hoffbauer and Co. where he continued to work well into his 8o's. Civically active all his life, Irv served on the Boards of United Way of Iowa, Iowa Children and Family Services, and Crestview Acres. Other service work included: The Jaycees, Friends of Iowa Women Prisoners, Iowa Cure and the Justice Reform Consortium. He received numerous awards for his contributions. He supported his alma mater, WSC, including funding the restoration of their beloved outdoor amphitheater, The Willow Bowl. He also created a beautiful outdoor student patio, named Hoffbauer Plaza, which is much enjoyed by students. His passion for golf led him to become a lifetime member of Des Moines Golf and Country Club, where he served as a member of the board, including a term as President in 1968. His achievement of a Hole-in-One was one of his favorite personal accomplishments. Music was another great love of Irv's, realized at a young age when he found a saxophone in his uncle's attic, which he was given in exchange for farm labor. He soon started a small band (Ernie Francis and His Orchestra) playing at school dances and local events, which landed him a one-time gig with Lawrence Welk who was traveling through the area and needed a fill-in sax player. He particularly had a love of Polka and Big Band music. His philosophy was revealed by his favorite song, "I Believe in Angels" by Abba: "I believe in Angels, something good in everyone I see." "I like to learn something new every day," his family often heard him say—a belief that manifested in many adventures including obtaining a pilot's license in 1964 and partial ownership of a Beechcraft Bonanza passenger plane he often used to delight his children with glittering night flights over the city and to make trips to visit family and attend Drake basketball games. Nicknamed "Speed" in High School due to his enthusiasm for fast cars, he enjoyed a lifetime of four-wheeled adventures with his family. Irv's life ended surrounded by his family, dying at home in the care and arms of love. His survivors include: Marcia (Dan) Hoffbauer-Brown; Becky Hoffbauer; Heidi Hoffbauer; Vicki Hoffbauer; Diane (Bob) Groves; Gary (Vic) Hoffbauer; seven grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren. He chose to donate his body to the University of Iowa. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date which is yet to be determined. Published in Des Moines Register from Jan. 4 to Jan. 6, 2019

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