Donald Ryan Hoffmeyer, son of Ryan and Carrie (Juhl) Hoffmeyer, was born on July 12, 1934 in Madison, Wisconsin. He passed away on July 19, 2024 at Avera Holy Family Hospital in Estherville, at the age of 90.
At a young age the family moved to Estherville, Iowa. Don started helping his dad do construction work at the age of 14 and never looked back, continuing working well into his 80’s. Don graduated from Estherville High School in 1953. Shortly after high school he enlisted in the United States Army and served from 1956 until 1958. Upon his return to Iowa, he went on a blind date with Donna Amdahl, they fell for each other and were united in marriage on March 20, 1960, at the Methodist Church in Estherville. Don built the first two homes that the family lived in and completely gutted and remodeled the home he currently resided in. Don owned his own construction business and not only built homes, cattle buildings, barns, and did remodels; he also did fine wood working. He built many items for his children, grandchildren, and other family members; including bucket chairs, desks, lamp stands, and hutches. Donna passed away on October 25, 2023. Don continued to live at his home with their loving dog and companion Baya.
Don was a member of the First Christian Church in Estherville. Don had a love for horses. He was a member of the Saddle Club and served as president for many years. Don and his family enjoyed riding horses in the area parades in matching outfits. An afternoon on the trials with his family brought Don great joy. He also enjoyed gardening, having many summers with a very large bumper crop of squash. He was not one to sit still, Don was still directing his family on things that needed to be done and supervising the garden care until a few days before his hospitalization.
Don is survived by his children Debra (Mike) Springer of Graettinger, Dawn (Mike) Kollasch of Emmetsburg, and Doug Hoffmeyer of Estherville; nine grandchildren: Brandon (Kim) Ross, Ashley (Mike) Westfall, Dane (Tracy) Ross, Alexa Springer, Jessica (Jason) Pergande, Melissa Albrant, Christopher (Jackie) Kollasch, Benjamin (Nicole) Kollasch, and Nicholas (Shaylee) Kollasch; 19 great-grandchildren: Jerrit, Gracie, Andrew, MacKenzie, Preston, Maddy, Oliver, Ryleigh, Warren, Colin, Hallie, Tristen, Sidney, Dayton, Tatyana, Miley, Jace, Jax, Braylee, Hazley, Krue and Harrison; and one great-great grandchild Emery. Don is also survived by his sister Carol Loring; brothers-in-law Gilbert Amdahl, Willis Amdahl, and Karl Fliehler; and his aunt Maxine Mahin.
Don is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, brothers-in-law Ray Loring and Larry Amdahl, and sisters-in-law Joyce Fliehler and Bonnie Amdahl.
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