Memorial

Karl Richard Hoffman, 70, of Marion, passed away October 5, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer.  Arrangements are made with Cedar Memorial for Friday, October 13, 2023 at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories.  Visitation: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Celebration of Life at 3:00 PM, both at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories.  Entombment:  Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, right after Celebration of Life.

Karl was born on March 31, 1953, in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of Louis F. and Amy M. (McCutchin) Hoffman.  He graduated from Madison West High School, then enlisted into the Wisconsin Air National Guard.  Karl obtained an Associate’s Degree in 1973 from the Wisconsin School of Electronics, Madison.

He has always been known as a hard worker with a very high standard of performance beginning at Mickies Dairy Bar in Madison where he worked as a cook/server.  In 1974, he moved to Marion and began a 40 year career as an electrical engineer at what is now known as Collins Aerospace.

His major love was music, playing the theater organ, or his home keyboards.  He was a primary volunteer worker maintaining the Rhinestone Barton Theater Organ in Theatre Cedar Rapids (Iowa Theater), and when he played he started and ended with “The Muppet’s Theme Song”.  Ever improving his proficiency was important having piano lessons well into his late 50’s.   Another interest was his mastery of wood working, mostly refurbishing the wood and electronics in antique radios to the highest standards.  Just listening to the radio/music was a regular activity.  His work with stain glass was good.

Karl was an exercise enthusiast.  An original member of the Collins Rec Center he worked hard to stay in shape into retirement.  He loved bicycling especially in south Florida in January, but was always going on bike rides/walks on the local trails also.

Survivors include his soulmate of 25 years, Steve Hebron.  His brother John (Karen) Hoffman and sister-in-law’s Barbara and Margaret.  He is also survived by 11 nephews and nieces and 4 great nephews and nieces. 

Preceding him in death were his parents, Louis and Amy Hoffman, three brothers and a sister- in- law:  Louis, Glenn and Paul (Mary).  Also preceding him in death was a special aunt, Rheta McCutchin who was very close and supportive of Karl.

Memorials may be directed to the Hall-Perrine Cancer Center in Cedar Rapids who provided excellent care for Karl this last year.  He will be greatly missed by many.