Gary Hofmeyer's Obituary
Gary Hofmeyer, 76, passed away on November 26, 2025, after a courageous 10-year battle with cancer. Gary is survived by his wife, Dona Hofmeyer; his son Mark Hofmeyer, married to Megan Hofmeyer, and their daughter, Mallory; and his son Erik Hofmeyer, married to Lacey Hofmeyer, and their children, Greta, Aksel, and Theodore.
He was born on February 21, 1949, in Orange City, Iowa, to Jeneva (Korver) and Maynard Van Wyk who farmed and also served in the Army in Europe during WWII. Gary’s father, Maynard, passed away when Gary was less than a year old and when Jeneva was pregnant with Gary’s brother Maynard Jr. (Mike). A few years later in 1955, Jeneva married Eugene Hofmeyer, a widower with two children, Phyllis and Paul. Eugene lovingly adopted Gary and Mike, and they took the last name of Hofmeyer. Eugene and Jeneva later welcomed a daughter, Michelle. The family was raised on a farm in Sheldon, Iowa. Gary loved sharing stories from growing up on the farm and how he attended a one-room schoolhouse until high school. Gary carried his love of the land throughout his life and found joy in sharing that legacy with his children and grandchildren.
He graduated from Northwestern College in Orange City and earned his Master of Divinity from Western Theological Seminary at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. He was ordained in the Reformed Church in America and served congregations in Wyandotte, Michigan; Milwaukee and Sheboygan, Wisconsin; and later in Florida. In 1989, he accepted a call to pastor a church in the growing community north of Tampa, and his family moved to Florida. In 1992, he relocated to St. Petersburg to serve at then named Bethany Reformed Church and put down roots in his beloved community. There he met Dona Spann, whom he later married. They shared a devoted marriage until his passing.
He was deeply committed to theology, and those who attended his Bible studies remember his thoughtful, challenging explorations of topics such as salvation by grace, the Heidelberg Catechism, imputed righteousness, and more. His ministry was marked by compassion, humility, and dedication to helping those in need. Reverend Hofmeyer concluded his sermons with the words, “Go in peace. Remember the poor. Amen.” He retired from the ministry, but the calling persisted. In 2009, he returned to become the pastor of Northwest Presbyterian Church in Pinellas Park, FL, and he helped multiple churches with bible studies, providing pastoral care for those in need, and guest sermons throughout his battle with cancer. Gary lived life to the fullest and would often say "Life is to be lived!" when he wanted to get out and do something active or spontaneous. He sought joy, adventure, and meaningful moments with friends and loved ones.
We’ll be celebrating his life at 2 pm on Sunday, Dec. 7, at New Creation Family Church at 100 Pasadena Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL, 33710. There will also be a memorial in Sheldon, Iowa, at future date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Moffitt Cancer Center, a non-profit, Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Tampa, Florida.
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