Donna Mae Hoffman

Donna Mae (Ferns) Hoffman, of Cedar falls, died on January 24, 2025, at NewAldaya Lifescapes in Cedar Falls.

She was born on December 23, 1930, in Barnes City, Iowa, the daughter of Ray and Zella Ferns. Donna graduated from Barnes City H.S. as the Salutatorian, received her teaching degree from Iowa State Teachers College (UNI), and later, achieved her Master's degree in education from UNI. She met her future husband, Donald Hoffman, while at UNI and married on June 3, 1950. To this union were born David, Debbie and Dixie. Donna and Donald were married for 58 years before Donald passed away on October 6, 2008. Donna and Don enjoyed traveling both domestically and internationally, including trips to their cabin in Wisconsin and to David's MN Cabin. Over the years, Donna and Don hosted 13 foreign exchange students from France, Germany and Mexico, and made several trips to Europe to visit them.

Donna began her teaching career in Barnes City while Don was serving in the US Navy, later moving to Freeport, Illinois, briefly before relocating to Cedar Falls in 1957. She was an elementary teacher for 39 years with over 29 years in the Cedar Falls school system (Southdale Elementary School) mainly teaching 3rd grade. Donna provided a variety of learning experiences for her students including woodworking projects and trips to her farm. As an educator, she was involved in many professional activities including serving as the Cedar Falls Education Association President for several terms. She was selected as a Gold Star teacher in 1993 and retired from teaching in 1995. Donna was a 4-H leader for 20 years for both girl's and boy's clubs. She also served on the 4-H Endowment Committee and the Black Hawk Co. Fair Board.

In retirement, Donna continued her passion for education and helping others through numerous community activities including reading aid in local schools and with her daughter's day care business. She served on the Black Hawk Co. Planning & Zoning Commission and Foster Care Review Board.  She was active in 'White Shrine', Amaranth, serving as Worthy Matron of Eastern Star and Worthy High Priestess of Bethany Shrine. Donna was involved with the Cedar Falls Exchange Club, Cedar Valley Garden Club, American Legion, Alpha Delta Kappa, Retired Teachers, and a member of the First United Methodist Church. Donna was always willing to help out others often doing the legwork behind the scenes for the groups she was involved with. She was awarded the Cedar Falls Mayor's Performance Award, Exchange Award for over 400 hours of volunteering, and also was selected as one of the "8 over 80" for her years of service to the community in 2019.

Donna enjoyed gardening, ceramics in the schoolhouse on the farm, attending the CF Community Theater, and going to parades with Don's classic car in the Vintage Auto group.

Donna is survived by a son, David Hoffman of Bloomington, MN; daughter, Dixie (Tom) Anderson of Greene, Iowa; four grandchildren, Matthew Belz, James (Michele) Luke, and Nick Anderson; two great-grandchildren, Thomas (Vanessa) and Aeryn Anderson; and many nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald Hoffman; daughter, Deb Belz; two brothers, and a sister.

Visitation will be Friday, January 31, 2025, from 4-6 PM with an Eastern Star Service at 5:45 pm at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home in Cedar Falls. Donna's funeral will be at 10am, Saturday, February 1, 2025, at First United Methodist Church with visitation one hour prior. Memorials in Donna's memorial may be directed to the Cedar Falls Woman's Club (304 Clay St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613), and First United Methodist Church (718 Clay St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613). Please visit www.dahlfuneralhome.com to share condolences with the family.

Donna's service will be live streamed. If you wish to view her service online please click here , or click "Open Video" under her service information below to be directed to the live stream link provided by First United Methodist Church.