GERK, Anita Joan (Hofler) 1928-2018

GERK, HOFLER

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 5/20/2018 at 10:14:12

March 24, 1928 - May 15, 2018

Anita Joan (Hofler) Gerk, age 90, died Tuesday, May 15th, 2018, at Banner Baywood Hospital in Mesa, Arizona, under hospice care. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Anita Joan (Hofler) Gerk, was born on March 24, 1928, to Edward and Grace Hofler in Nora Springs, Iowa. Anita attended grade school at a small country school. She and her sisters walked 1.5 miles to school every day, rain or shine. Anita attended and graduated from Nora Springs High School. She was the valedictorian of her graduating class. After high school, Anita entered Hamilton Business College in Mason City. With this degree she worked for the County Treasurer, State Brand Creameries, NIACC, and the Mason City Probation and Parole office.

While enjoying an evening of music and dancing at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Anita met a wonderful young guy – Arthur (Art) Gerk. They married in 1947. Art and Anita settled in Mason City and had two daughters, Sue and Jean, and a son, James (Jim).

Anita enjoyed golfing at the Mason City Country Club, playing bridge, doing Pilates and Yoga, and walking. She and Art traveled frequently around the US and the world. Anita also volunteered at the Mercy Medical Center for many years. She was described by friends in AZ as “an effervescent lady who's about as big as a minute”.

Anita is survived by her daughters, Sue Talley (Doug Perkins) and Jean Hershey (Ken Wunderlich); her son, James (Ann Van Nest), her grandson, David Hershey, and her sister, Aline Sutton, along with many nephews and nieces.

Anita was preceded in death by her husband, Art, in December 2005; her parents, and her sisters, Pat Little, Frances Christiansen, and Marcella Howe.

A Catholic Mass in Anita's honor will be said at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mason City, IA on Tuesday, June 12th at 8 AM. A tree planting ceremony will follow at the Arthur J. Gerk Arboretum. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given to the Arthur J. Gerk Foundation c/o the Mason City Foundation, 308 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, IA 50401.

SOURCE: Mason City Globe Gazette, 20 MAY 2018