Geraldine Hoffman

As family and friends can surely attest, Geraldine Hoffman truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She was a constant source of strength and support for her loved ones, even in the most difficult of times, and she was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others. Forever loved, Gerry will be deeply missed by those who knew her best.

Born during the decade that is commonly recalled as the Roaring Twenties, Geraldine’s life spanned nearly a century. This was the decade when ballroom dancing and jazz music were among the latest trends, and cars first became mass produced on assembly lines, making them more affordable. It was on October 31, 1928, that Herman and May (Bowman) Bleich were pleased to announce the baby girl they named Geraldine Louise in Burt, Iowa.

Growing up, Gerry was a typical young girl of her generation in many ways. She was raised in the family home in Iowa alongside her four older siblings, Emma, Herman, Dorothy, and Lewis. Gerry attended local schools, going on to attend Algona High School. After high school, she moved and began working at both the Des Moines Register and a local diner, forming the foundation for the strong work ethic that would serve her well for her entire life.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Gerry as she met the man who would soon become the love of her life. His name was Mort Hoffman, and the two dated for some time before realizing that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. After getting married, Gerry and Mort moved to St. Louis.

All who knew Gerry can surely agree that, of all the things she loved in life, she treasured her family above all else. Once she and her husband, Mort, settled in St. Louis, they were overjoyed to welcome their beloved daughter, Michele, into their hearts and home. Gerry truly thrived in her role as a mother and homemaker. She dedicated herself to caring for Mort, Michele, and her mother, who also lived with them at the time. In all things, Gerry was very supportive of her husband and daughter. She never missed one of Michele’s events and was always there to encourage her. Over the years, Gerry was thrilled to become an aunt to various nieces and nephews as well. After her mother passed away, the Hoffman family moved to Grand Rapids.

Gerry was always willing to work hard in order to support herself and her loved ones. Once her daughter, Michele was older, she began working at Repeat Performance. Gerry would go on to build a career for herself. She eventually bought the store and ran it for many years. Following her own retirement, Gerry continued working with Mort as they traveled for work and fun.

As a serving member of her community, Gerry loved to volunteer her time and help others. She fed children through Kids Food Basket, and she fed the homeless through God’s Kitchen. Gerry also helped with food baskets as a part of Operation Isaiah. She worked with Ahavas Israel and Family Promise through Trinity Lutheran Church where she gave selflessly. In addition, Gerry cooked for and sewed wherever her help was needed. For the last several years, Gerry was able to support various children and the homeless youth through Child and Family Charities. She truly had a heart for others and was always willing to serve in any capacity needed.

When reflecting on the life of Geraldine Hoffman, it is easy to see both her strength of heart and unconditional love for her family. She was known for her kind heart and generosity, and her serving spirit allowed her to touch the lives of countless others. Gerry loved her friends and all her nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and all her "adopted" children. Gerry made others feel a part of her life and her genuine interest in those around her was unwavering. Though she will be dearly missed, Gerry leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps. Gerry was fiercely loyal and feisty to the end.

Geraldine Louise Hoffman, age 93 of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 24, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mort, in April; and by her siblings Emma Butterfield, Herman Bleich, Dorothy Beck and Lewis Bleich. Geraldine is survived by her daughter, Michele Hoffman, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends. A graveside service will be held at Ahavas Israel Cemetery, 1801 Garfield Ave NW on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at 12 Noon.

For those who wish, memorial contributions are suggested to Child and Family Charities (https://www.childandfamily.org/forms/sponsor.php). To sign her guestbook, share a memory or live stream link, visit www.heritagelifestory.com.