In Memoriam: George E. Hofferber

1943-2014

by HPS staff

George E. Hofferber, 70, lost his battle with leukemia Sunday, 19 January 2014, surrounded by family in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.*

George was born 13 August 1943 in Cedar Rapids to Alex and Janette (Wright) Hofferber. He graduated from Washington High School in 1961 and was a proud member of the first state champion swim team. He joined the U.S. Navy on graduation from high school and served our country for eight years, including service on the first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus. After his military service, he spent several years working as an emergency medical technician and as a deputy for the Linn County Sheriff's Office.

George was a health physicist and worked in the nuclear power industry for nearly 40 years. He joined the Health Physics Society (HPS) in 1986 and was an emeritus member at the time of his death. His professional career took him to many new places and concluded with 14 years of traveling to England, France, Canada, Japan, and China teaching computerized document management systems for radiation safety, industrial safety, and generalized maintenance management. He felt he was very blessed to have met so many wonderful people in every location that he traveled.

His professional career was second to his love of family. He met and married Linda Grobstich while working at Area Ambulance Service. Together they had three wonderful children and seven grandchildren. George was incredibly proud of his family and loved to spend time with them. One of his biggest pleasures was watching his grandchildren compete in sports and attending as many plays and concerts as he possibly could.

George was a member of First Congregational Church, the HPS, Mizpah Masonic Lodge, the YMCA LIVESTRONG program, the American Legion (Hiawatha), and the Patriot Guard Riders of Iowa. He was ride captain for the Patriot Guard Riders in Maryland for three years and attended many funerals and burials at Arlington Cemetery. George was proud to stand with his brothers and sisters in the Patriot Guard Riders flag line and provide honors to the American heroes and their families.

George is survived by his son, Timothy (Carli) Hofferber of Cedar Rapids; daughter, Tami (Courtenay) Moon of Baltimore, Maryland; and daughter, Tara Hofferber of Frederick, Maryland. He also leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren, Sydney, Naomi, and Isaac Hofferber of Cedar Rapids, Jordan Bayne and Olivia Stout of Frederick, Maryland, and Miles and Harper Moon of Baltimore, Maryland; several nieces and nephews; and many extended family members. He also is survived by his sister, Mary (Tim) Healy of Merrimac, Wisconsin, and by very special friends, Linda and Dick Hill, who have been by his side during all times of need. George was predeceased by his parents, Alex and Janette Hofferber.

*Information adapted from The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 21 January 2014.