Martha “Jean” Hoefer

A visitation will be held from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 1st Ave. N., Clear Lake, Iowa. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1001 9th Ave. S., Clear Lake, with Fr. Josh Link officiating. Jean will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Williams, Iowa, following the service.

Martha Jean Crase was born April 30, 1931, in Redfield, Iowa, to Lewin and Martha (Nissly) Crase. She was raised on her family’s farm, where she learned the value of hard work and developed a deep respect for the land. She graduated from Redfield High School and later worked on the family farm and in the Brick and Tile business in Redfield.

In 1953, she met Duane Hoefer at a young people’s meeting in Webster City, beginning a partnership rooted in shared values and hard work. They were married on June 26, 1954, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Williams, Iowa. The couple farmed in Williams before purchasing land near Mason City, where they farmed for decades while raising and educating their six children.

Faith was the cornerstone of Jean’s life. A devoted member of her church, she served as a Lay Minister until 1989 and wrote the church’s monthly newsletter for 17 years. Her faith guided her life and her service to others.

Jean was a farmer, and she dedicated her life to agriculture. She loved being on the farm and working hard. She took pride in caring for the land and found joy in gardening– flowers, fruits and vegetables–as well as yard work. Being outdoors, tending what she planted, and seeing the results of her labor brought her lasting satisfaction.

Jean was creative, thoughtful, and quietly talented. She enjoyed reading, writing, and coloring, and she was skilled at sewing and crafting. She loved baking and was well known for it. Curious by nature, she enjoyed meaningful conversations and visiting with others. Though a homebody at heart, Jean consistently put others before herself, and her greatest joy was her family.

Jean is survived by her children: Nick (Sandy) Hoefer, Jennifer Sliwinski, Tom Hoefer (Tracy Wilde), Pat (Kevin) Mayer, David (Terrie) Hoefer, and Steven (Heather) Hoefer; grandchildren: Travis (Estrella), Rebecca, Mark, Alexa (Patrick), Elizabeth (Brian), Andrew (Sarah), Kate (Chad), Ted (Erin), Jacob (Liz), Luke (Emma), Iris, and Grayson; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Duane Hoefer; and her siblings, Delbert, Doris, and Lena Mae.

A special thank you to the staff of Oakwood Care Center and Helping Hands for the amazing care Jean received. As well as a special thank you to her neighbors Corey and Jennifer Martin.

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel

310 1st Ave N. Clear Lake, IA 50428

ColonialChapels.com 641-357-2193