Donna Mae Hoberman

Donna Mae Hoberman, age 76, of Storm Lake, Iowa passed into glory on Friday, December 20, 2013 in Holland, Michigan. Donna lived a beautiful life serving her Lord and Savior in all aspects of her daily living. Memorial services will be held Saturday, September 13, 2014 at 2:30 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 1725 555th St. Storm Lake, Iowa. Inurnment will be in the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery. Visitation will take place Friday, September 12, 2014 from 2:30 – 7:30 p.m. with the family present from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Donna Mae Kramer was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa on June 29, 1937, to the late Frances and Chas Kramer. Donna loved life growing up and working on her family’s farm in Palmer, Iowa, with her siblings Gary and Loren. She graduated from Palmer High School. She enjoyed playing basketball and she competed at the state level free throw tournament. With her love for children and education, she sought a teaching certificate in Elementary Education from Wartburg College in 1957. Her favorite summer included waitressing in Colorado at an Opera house to earn funds for school. After graduation, Donna taught third grade in Newell, Iowa. While teaching, she met and married Arlo Hoberman. They were married on February 26, 1961. As an inseparable team, they farmed the Hoberman family farm in Newell, Iowa for thirty-five years. Donna’s greatest joys were living and sharing her Christian faith and the joy of her three children: Dale, Faye, and Jon. Donna was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, Storm Lake, Iowa. She was a dedicated wife, mother, and friend. She had a heart for ministry and faithfully visited the area nursing homes and elderly of her community. She baked innumerable batches of cookies, desserts, and meals to share. She was never too busy to lend a helping hand, share a smile or give an encouraging word. She found joy in quilting and making cards. Donna never missed a birthday, anniversary, birth or graduation! She loved basketball and sporting events and often cheered the local teams even after her children were grown. In the past years, Donna and Arlo lived in Holland, Michigan as she was diagnosed with frontal lobe dementia. With Donna’s dementia, she knew the road ahead wouldn’t be an easy one, but this disease never diminished her desire to worship and her desire to play her favorite hymns on the piano. She gave her family and friends the example of a life well-lived in the service of the Lord. She knew no stranger; she loved others as Christ loved her. Her greatest hope was that everyone would have the opportunity to hear the Gospel and follow Jesus. She assured us that even when the dementia took away her ability to speak or walk, she would always have the ability to praise God in her heart. She was never fearful of death, but longed to be in the presence of her Creator and worship. Her last day was spent hearing hymns and scripture and she was held in the arms of her family who loved her dearly as she passed into the arms of her Savior. Donna is survived by her husband, Arlo Hoberman of Storm Lake, Iowa; children: Dale (Liberty) Hoberman of Holland, Michigan; Faye (Jason) Southward of Des Moines, Iowa; and Jon Hoberman of Newell, Iowa. She was blessed by eight grandchildren.

Donna Mae Hoberman

June 29, 1937 - December 20, 2013