Obituary of Hobert D. Yoder

Hobert D. Yoder, 81 of Iowa City died Sunday, April 27, 2014, at Mercy Hospital under the compassionate care of the Hospice Unit, surrounded by his family. Hobert Devon Yoder was born June 24, 1932, in Kalona, IA the son of Ray A. and Kathryn P. (Miller) Yoder. He attended Hickory Grove and Center Grade Schools. He graduated from Kalona High School in 1950. On June 17, 1949, Hobert lost his right arm in a farm accident and faced the challenge of this life change with grace and determination. He started his college education at Hesston College (Hesston, KS) and finished at Goshen College (Goshen, IN), graduating in 1954 with a BA in Education. Hobert received his MA in Education in 1960 from the University of Iowa. On May 29, 1956, he was united in marriage to Lois Yoder of Newport News, VA. Hobert taught at Hickory Grove, Sharon Center, and Center Grade Schools. Moving to Iowa City, he taught special education at Central Junior High and then taught 6th grade at Herbert Hoover Elementary School for most of his career. He taught school for over 40 years before retiring in 1995. Hobert was actively involved with church and youth: Cedar Bluff Community Church (Cedar Bluff, IA), coordinating bible school and youth activities; also in voluntary service in Mathis, TX where he taught 6th grade and planned/coordinated church youth and boys/girls clubs. At Crooked Creek Christian Camp (Washington, IA), Hobert was a counselor, teacher and naturalist. He was a longtime and beloved member of First Mennonite Church (Iowa City, IA). Hobert enjoyed gardening, landscaping, and being in nature. Music filled his heart and mind. He shared this love of singing with others as a soloist, in ensembles and writing fun parodies for friends. Hobert loved his family and friends dearly and enthusiastically; quick to share, inquire about one's activities, and was wonderfully encouraging and nurturing. Hobert took pleasure in traveling with his wife to many places in the United States (including Hawaii and Alaska), the Holy Land, and Europe. They celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with travels to Australia and New Zealand. He is survived by: his wife, Lois (Yoder) Yoder of Iowa City, IA; daughter, Libby Hochstetler (James) of Goshen, IN; son, DeVon Yoder (Jennifer) of Iowa City, IA; grandchildren, Hannah Hochstetler, Kathryn Hochstetler, Aidan Hochstetler, and Seth Yoder; sister, Marjorie Waybill (Nelson) of Harrisonburg, VA; and brother-in-law, Dale Swartzendruber of Kalona, IA. He is preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Channin Marie Yoder; brother and sister-in-law, Robert K. and Elvira Yoder of Kalona, IA; and sister, Kathleen Swartzendruber of Kalona, IA. A celebration of Hobert's life will be held at the First Mennonite Church (405 Myrtle Avenue, Iowa City, IA) on Saturday, May 10, at 10:30am with Pastors Bob & Mag Richer-Smith officiating. A visitation will be held on Friday, May 9, 2014 from 4 to 7pm at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Hobert's memory to First Mennonite Church and Iowa City Hospice.