Deena L Hoffman's Obituary
Deena Lee (Robinson) Hoffman, 92, of Moravia, Iowa, passed away on February 17, 2026, at the Westview of Indianola Care Center, Indianola, Iowa.
Deena was born on the 23rd of April 1933 to J. Edward and Frances (DeTar) Robinson in the Robinson family home in Urbana Township, Monroe County, Iowa. She graduated from Moravia High in 1950.
After graduation, she landed her first job as a bookkeeper for Albia Motor Company.
After his service in the Korean Conflict ended, Keith (Jack) LeRoy Hoffman and Deena were married at the bride's home on the 16th of August 1953, going on to have four children, Dan (Pam) Hoffman of Fremont, Nebraska, Dale (Suzanne) Hoffman of Blakesburg, Iowa, Danita Wilford of Lincoln, Nebraska and Donna (John) Hallstrom of Indianola, Iowa. Deena treated her nephew, Russ (Martha) Hoffman of Ames, Iowa as an adopted son after the death of his parents.
Widowed at 44, she took computer classes and resumed work off the farm. She retired as library director in 2013 at the age of 81.
Deena was an active member of the Unionville United Methodist Church, Unionville, Iowa where she taught many a Sunday and Bible School classes and participated in the UMW. She served as a certified lay minister for the United Methodist Church. Later in life she attended the Light of Life Church in Moravia, Iowa.
She generously gave of her time and talents to the community. She served as the Union Township Clerk for many years. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, was on The Friends of the Library Board, a member of Moravia Historical Society, and served as a docent at the Wabash Depot Museum Complex. She was a much sought after local historian.
She never meant a stranger. She was widely known in Moravia and surrounding communities. She was a loyal friend and performed many acts of kindness for those in her rural neighborhood, on Soap Creek, and later at Sunset Village Apartments in Moravia. She enjoyed reading and collecting accounts of local history. She housed a trove of written histories and photographs.
Waiting to greet her on the other side of the veil are her husband, Jack; her parents, Ed and Frances Robinson; her brother, DeWayne Robinson; and her sister, Dweena Sandifer.
She is survived by her children, Dan, Dale, Danita, and Donna; grandchildren, Angie Hoffman, of Fremont Nebraska, Eric (Tava),Hoffman of rural Monroe County, Iowa, Bob Hoffman of Moravia, Iowa, Anna (Jerren Long) Hoffman of Moravia, Iowa, Lara McFarland of Blakesburg, Iowa, Elizabeth (Kody) Kerr of Moravia, Iowa, Micheal (Ashley) Wilford of Roca, Nebraska, Theo Wilford of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Jackson Wilford of Omaha Nebraska, Jonathan (Brandi) Hallstrom of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Jordan Hallstrom of Council Bluffs; great grandchildren, Keith, Grace, and Gus Hoffman, (Eric), Laney Hoffman (Bob), Huxley Long (Anna), Kordyn and Kollyns Kerr (Elizabeth) Tyler and Addison Hallstrom (Jonathan).
A Celebration of Life will occur at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Thomas Funeral Home, 103 N John St, Moravia, IA. A luncheon will be served prior to the service. Details to follow. Donations in Deena's honor may be directed to Moravia Community Betterment, and mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Hoffman Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome .
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