I recall fondly the many years I taught with Hobert at Hoover Elementary. He was a wonderful teacher and colleague. I also remember Libby that you were my piano student for a while. Do you still play? My deepest sympathy to the family. My father died twenty years ago and I still miss him daily. Judy Svengalis

Prayers to the Yoder family at this difficult time.

Mr. Yoder was one of my sixth grade teachers at Hoover.

He always had high expectations for his students.

I can remember sitting in his classroom for switch class.

The Hoover teachers were very special teachers!

Take care.

Celeste Cook Vincent

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Hobert. He was a neighbor of mine on the American Legion Road for many years. Will miss his friendly smile and conversation.

My condolences to your family. My brothers and I were students at the Cedar Bluffs Bible School and part of the time, Hobert stopped by our house in the country to pick us up, take us to school and drop us off at home again. Lots of good memories. I even have a cupcake recipe (from ? Helen Yoder that helped at the Bible School) that reminds me of all the good times we had at school.

Devon,

I heard the news of the passing of your dad, and wanted you to know I am thinking of you and your family. Your father played a huge role in my life, and not surprisingly, stood out as one of the finest teachers I ever had. His patience,wisdom and humility made a lasting impression; I also cherished his sense if humor! Be well, and and take care. All best wishes to you and your family.

Sincerely,

Kurt

Hoover was a special place for us and much of the eastside and Hobert was a big part of that. Well done! Betty and I are very sorry for your loss. Pat

Dear Lois and Family,

My sincerest sympathy to all of you. May all of your wonderful memories and the caring of family and friends help to bring you peace. Hobart was a dear friend and colleague as we worked together with children at Hoover School. When I came to Hoover as a new Principal, I quickly found that I could count on Hobart's professionalism and team work, as well as look forward to his kindness and ever present smile. He was a respected man by students and faculty alike. With fondness I will savor memories of a great man.

Marilyn Wirtz

I'm very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Yoder. He was my 6th grade teacher and I will never forget him. My heart felt condolences to his family and friends.

Hobart and Lois were such an important part of our sojourn in Iowa City, and a source of inspiration and encouragement when Delores and I had the privilege of serving on the pastoral team at First Mennonite Church. Hobart was such and encouraging, upbeat and positive person, with an infectious laugh! I recall rather vividly an incident one summer when we were painting one of Lowell Lichti's properties. When Hobart had an outside project to do he often used his hook rather than his artificial hand. When it came to lunch time his painting hand was covered with paint and not very inviting with which to eat his sandwich, so we went to wash our hands. He was having some difficulty cleaning up, so he just asked me quite unabashedly, "Stan, can you help me wash my hand?" I should have been more sensitive to his needs, but I was pleased that he felt comfortable to ask me. We laughed together as we washed our hands together. We both remarked that in that moment we had experienced on a deeper level the meaning of "foot washing" which had been part of the communion service at our church just the Sunday before.

Stan Friesen

I will add to the many special memories offered by former students. I had Mr. Yoder for 6th grade at Hoover Elementary back in 1970-71. I've said many times he was the teacher who had the greatest impact on me. A tough disciplinarian he was, but he sure taught his students about expectation, responsibility, consideration, hard work, and reward. On the last day of school - a warm June day as I recall - Mr. Yoder did two things in the last hour of class I have never forgotten. First he looked at us very thoughtfully and, in a quiet moment with our rapt attention, told us in a very mature manner that the next ten years of our lives will be some of the happiest and saddest we will ever have (jr. high, high school, & college/work) - and boy if he wasn't exactly right about that. Then he surprised us all by having 24 chocolate shakes from McDonalds brought into class! For a guy tasked with nine months of straightening out some difficult pre-teen personalities, he turned out to be a great, influential role model who had a tremendous, profound impact on us 12 year olds. At least me anyway --- so much so that I sent him a letter telling him just exactly that back in the early '90s. Received a very nice, sweet, and gracious letter in return. Hobert Yoder was a great man. Any kid should be so lucky to have a teacher like him showing him or her the way. Deepest sympathies and condolences to the Mr. Yoder's family and friends. God bless his beautiful soul . . .

I was privileged to be a student of Mr Yoder's in 1976-77. In addition to challenging his students academically, he modeled kindness, fairness, self-respect, and respect for others, helping us to begin to see ourselves as citizens and adults. He was one of my most memorable and influential teachers. I was inspired to live up to his expectations of what I could achieve. I know many, many others were as well. With fond memories of that year, I send my sympathy to all of his family.

Over the years when I have been asked who was your most influential/special teacher? My answer was, "My sixth grade teacher, Mr. Yoder". Reading other's comments in this Memory Book, I realize I was not alone. What a wonderful gift Mr. Yoder gave to so many people in this world. Rest in Peace, Sir -- Job very well done.

Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss. Mr. Yoder was one of my favorite teachers from my days at Hoover. He was a kind compassionate man but always made sure we were performing up to our potential. I loved having him as a teacher. My thoughts are prayers are with you all!

Dear Lois and Devon.

It was with surprise and sadness that I read of Hobert's death. Seeing his smiling face was in instant reminder of sixth grade and Hoover Elementary. What a fine man and great teacher! Also loving husband and father. Kurt and Adam will share in my sadness. Hugs to you both.

Dearest DeVon, Lois and the Yoder family, I was so sorry to hear the news. Mr. Yoder was (and will remain) one of my favorite teachers, and is one of the few I can count on one hand that made a dramatic difference in my life. Even at such a young age, his influence was meaningful. Knowing DeVon through out my junior high and high school years, he was a living testament to what an amazing teacher and father Hobart was. Thinking of you all, and so happy Devon is in Iowa City.

26 years ago Hobert was my supervising teacher as I completed my student teaching through the U of I. I am currently completing my 26th year of teaching and not a day goes by that I don't use something that Hobert taught me. I have thought of him often over the years and appreciate all that he did for me. My sincerest condolences to the family. He was a real treasure

I remember there being a certain fear of getting Mr. Yoder as a teacher because he would empty your desk out in the hall if it was messy. He ended up being one of my favorite teachers and I remember being shocked on the last day of school when he got choked up and cried. I wish everyone could have had a teacher like Mr. Yoder.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Laurie (Maxwell) Howes, former 6th grade student

A sweet ray of sunshine has left this world. I'm a better person as I had the opportunity to get to know him just before he passed. My condolences to his dear wife and family.

R.I.P. You were one of the best teachers I ever had. You pushed me to apply myself in a way few did. You believed I was capable of more, and more importantly made me believe it. Everyone deserves a mentor like you!

Lois, Libby (&James) and family:

Peace to you all during this time of loss.

Hobert's smile, compassion and humor still stick in my mind from meeting him at Hesston. May you all find strength and peace knowing that we will meet again someday.

Sheila Yoder Baer

Lois,

Dear Lois, I have such warm memories of my senior year in high school when I lived with you and Hobert. You welcomed me in and made me feel at home. I am forever grateful for that gift you gave me. I have a specific and particularly fond memory of Hobert coming in to supper one night energized from being outdoors working in the yard/garden and commenting on how much he loved the light and time of day just before sunset. He was such a positive and beautiful example of the light in the world himself. My love goes out to you, Libby, DeVon and all your family in this time of prfound loss. - Ingrid

Such a handsome fella! Although we hadn't seen him for many years, we still feel the loss of a wonderful uncle.

Dear Lois and family; We are saddened to hear of Hobert's death, and pray God's grace and strength for these difficult days as you adjust to your life without Hobert. I have good memories of singing with Hobert in quite a few weddings, in the mid 50's. Hobert was such an enthusiastic friend, always greeting us warmly; and he will be missed by your many friends. May you know peace and love in these days. Wilbur and Fanni Birky

Dear Lois and Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. We have so many memories of time spent with you in church, in choir and over the dinner table. In recent years, visits to Iowa City were not complete without a visit with you and Hobert and we are so glad we got to do that last summer. Love, Lois and Mike

Dear Lois,

Hobert was a dear friend and cohort for me during our 'Hoover' days. May God give you and your children peace and great memories to keep him with you always. Myrna Farraj

P.S. John also thought Hobert was special.

Dear Mrs. Yoder and Family,

I extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Hobert was an inspiration to me, as a new teacher at Hoover. His kindness and love for the students that he taught and the staff he worked with, was evident each and every day. His laugh and spirit will remain in my heart. I feel so very blessed to have had him touch my life. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Pam Nelson

Dear Lois and Family,

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers as you adjust to a time of memories. We knew Hobert and his wonderful singing voice!! Being members of the same Christian church family for many years leaves strong memories that are treasured.

Dear Lois and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Hobie will be remembered for his wonderful upbeat personality, humor and wonderful tenor-singing voice. Howard and I always treasured our time spent with Hobert and you. Please know my sorrow for your loss. Love, your classmate and friend, Mary Kay Snider