Memorial

Carl James Hoffman (84) of Cedar Rapids, passed away on December 12, 2020 from complications of COVID-19. He was accompanied by his loving family, under the excellent care of nursing staff at the St. Luke’s Hospice Inpatient Unit. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.  

Carl was born September 1, 1936 in Walker, Iowa, the son of Clifford and Augusta (Pape) Hoffman. He graduated from Walker Public HS in 1953, then worked briefly at Diamond V Mills in Cedar Rapids before enlisting in the U.S. Navy on a three-year “Kiddie Cruise”, as he was only 17. He served as a Radarman aboard the U.S.S. Los Angeles CA135 until he was honorably discharged in 1957. He attended Yankton College in Yankton, SD, then transferred to Coe College in Cedar Rapids, graduating in 1962 with a BA in Business Administration. He married the love of his life, Elaine Randall, on his birthday, September 1, 1963. He then worked at Collins Radio and National Data Processing as a computer operator before joining his father’s insurance agency. He sold the business after 13 years to pursue his boyhood dream of driving an “18-wheeler” across the country, where his love of travel was surpassed only by his love for Elaine’s cooking. In 1984 he began a 32-year career as a realtor in Cedar Rapids, first at Iowa Realty, then Skogman Realty, where he retired at age 80.

Carl was devoted to his church family, serving faithfully throughout his life. He was a proud veteran and was thrilled to be a member of Eastern Iowa Honor Flight #29 in 2017. He loved taking long drives, often filling his young girls with dismay when choosing to take the “scenic route”. He was a lover of trains, tractors, and vintage cars, and took every opportunity to appreciate them. He loved playing games with family and friends and continued playing cards faithfully with Elaine every afternoon. A joyful stoic, Carl had a selfless strength and integrity that never wavered. Above all, he was a kind and loving husband, father, and friend.

Carl is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Elaine; daughters, Renee (Stacey) Hoffman and Christy (Jeff) Kintzel; cherished in-laws, nieces, nephews and extended family members. He will be dearly missed by all.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Sarah; and two brothers, Vaughn, and Jerry.

A very special thanks to Dr. James Bell of UnityPoint Health - St. Luke’s Hospice and Palliative Care Services, and the many nurses who cared for Carl during his short illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Carl’s honor to New Covenant Bible Church in Cedar Rapids.