Richard Hovey Brom

Hovey Brom, a man of boundless energy, creativity, and kindness, completed his remarkable lifetime journey on February 15, 2025. Not only did Hovey leave us a whole lot of buildings, but he also left a legacy of love.

Born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, Hovey's life was a symphony of adventure, music, service, craftsmanship and creativity. Starting at the young age of five, his early years were spent working summers on the family farm. During the school year, he learned to make marionettes, helped at his dad's used car business, played piano and trombone, and directed his high school band.

Since WWII had already begun, Hovey enlisted in the Army immediately after high school graduation. He went to basic training and was sent to Europe to drive a jeep, doing recon work under General Patton's command. After the war, he traded his rifle for a string bass and entertained troops in the army jazz band.

Following his military service, he attended Iowa State University, where he studied architecture and, more importantly, met the love of his life, Marge Pease. Together, they moved to Waterloo, Iowa, where Hovey co-founded an architectural firm that kept him busy for an astounding 69 years. His creations came to life all over the Midwest, in the form of churches, schools, hospitals, and university buildings.

Beyond his professional life, Hovey was deeply committed to his community. He supported and led charitable organizations and gave back at every opportunity. He was also deeply committed to Jesus Christ and exemplified the virtues of faith, hope, and love in every aspect of life, including his membership in the local Lutheran church.

Hovey and Marge cherished their family. They raised three wonderful children, Dirk, Kristi, and Timm. They were blessed with two daughters-in-law (Kim Russel and Ann Brom), one son-in-law (Todd Moore), eleven grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren.

Hovey's love of adventure took him to the Colorado mountains, where he spent time skiing, hiking, and traversing rugged terrain in his Jeep. He eventually designed and built his dream home in Keystone, CO.

A true Renaissance man, he created beautiful works of art, from paintings to sculptures to jewelry. He had an eye for design, whether it was a building, a piece of art, or a well-tended garden. Most of all, he had a heart for people—always treating everyone with kindness, dignity, and respect. He had a rare brand of optimism that brightened the lives of everyone around him.

We will miss Hovey dearly. Yet, Hovey would want us to celebrate, not mourn, his entrance into eternal life. He packed a whole lot of love and creativity into his 99 years.

So, here's to Hovey Brom—a life well-lived, a legacy well-built.

Hovey's visitation will be held from 5-7pm, Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home in Cedar Falls. His funeral service will be at 11am, Friday, February 21 at the Diamond Event Center in Cedar Falls with visitation one hour prior. Military Honors will be rendered by the United States Army Honor Guard and Cedar Falls AMVETS Post 49. Please join the family for reception immediately following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions in Hovey's honor to the Grout Museum District or the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. Please visit www.dahlfuneralhome.com to share condolences.

Donations for Gallagher Bluedorn may be made using the following link: foundation.uni.edu . Click on the "Give Now" button"; select "Other designation" from the "Select a Designation" drop down menu, and then type in the project name: 221680 GBPAC Endowed Fund. Checks should be made payable to the UNI Foundation, with the designation name and number included in the memo field and mailed to: University of Northern Iowa Foundation, 121 Commons, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0282.

Hovey's service is available to livestream through Zoom. Please click here and use the following Meeting ID and passcode to view Hovey's service or copy and paste the following link in your internet browser address line:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82841309188?pwd=vtWpGzhMiKTaxbQuPdefZRL9V3Rf8C.1

Meeting ID: 828 4130 9188
Passcode: Hovey