Another Classmate Leaves Us Too Soon

Thanks to a person who received our recent reunion mailing, we have learned of the death of classmate Jerry Hoffman.  Here is his obituary which tells the story of an extremely talented man, I'm sorry he wasn't part of our class reunion "group" over the years, our loss it appears:

Gerald Hoffmann Obituary

Gerald (Jerry) W. Hoffmann, age 75, of New Haven, MO passed away from complications of advanced melanoma on June 28, 2023. Jerry was the son of the late James M. Hoffmann and Grace D. (Scott), born November 27, 1947 in Hale Center, TX.  He grew up in Kirkwood, MO, graduated from Kirkwood High School in 1965 and met his first wife, Karen Robbins, of St Louis, MO whom he married in 1969. Jerry showed an early interest in art and design which led him to the University of Kansas School of the Arts where he graduated in 1970. 

Jerry's career path included jobs that formed the basis for his future accomplishments. He became a skilled designer in a variety of materials, most especially in iron and wood. After working as a graphic artist, he became a farrier where he learned the art of forming metal for shoeing. Combining these skills, Jerry launched into his largest body of work in the early '80s as a craftsman and educator of award-winning ornamental and architectural blacksmithing. From August 1990 to April 2010, he created and published the Blacksmiths Journal, a monthly publication of instructional and design material for blacksmiths (blacksmithsjournal.com) which continues to be available in collections, books and projects. 

In 2007 Jerry began his passionate pursuit as an accomplished, self-taught and sought-after master craftsman of high quality ukuleles under the name Boat Paddle Ukulele Company, later changing the name to Hoffmann Lutherie to include the building of other stringed instruments. Many of his fine instruments were sold from Hawaii Music Supply in Haleiwa, HI. Jerry's work was featured in all forms of media. These included a special feature in The Ukulele Review (theukulelereview.com/2017/05/15/Hoffmann-ukulele/) and as part of the "Arts America" segment about New Haven, MO airing on PBS Channel 9 St. Louis, in 2014.  His business was sold in 2019.

In 1995, Jerry married Janelle Gilbert from Indiana, settling in Washington, MO. In 2000, he designed and built his first house and then a second in New Haven, MO, where he and Janelle resided together until his passing.

Jerry modeled an unparalleled commitment and passion to his work and personal interests. Many were in awe of his creativity and ingenuity in all things "built by Jerry."  During his lifetime he designed unique tools and designs in the art of blacksmithing and developed innovative features for his ukuleles. Although he lost most of his hearing in later years, he found ways to communicate and show love in often whimsical and endearing ways. He will be missed beyond measure, but his life's work and legacy will live on.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Janelle Gilbert Hoffmann of New Haven, MO; his two children Dustin Hoffmann of Columbia, MO and Molly Hill (Victor Hill) of Fenton, MO; his brother James M. Hoffmann Jr. (Liesbeth Berger) of Kirkwood, MO; and his sister Jean Still (Steve Still) of Marceline, MO.

Interment will be private.  Remembrances can be left on the tribute wall, and memorial contributions to plant a tree in Jerry's name may be made through the posting at https://www.miller.wolfefuneralhomes.net/listingswebsite. 

 

Pam Wendt Sander passed away, see the information below

Thank you to Nancy Wright Lewis for letting us know that another of our wonderful Kirkwood women left us some time ago.  Here is the obituary ~

Sander, Pamela Nancy (nee Wendt), age 75 of Marco Island, Florida and Manchester, Missouri passed away June 19, 2023. Beloved wife of Roy Sander for 49 years, mother of Chris Short (Lisa), Scott Sander and Todd Sander, dear sister-in-law, aunt, great aunt and friend. Pam taught language arts in the St. Louis, Missouri, Mehlville School District. She was fond of boating on the Green Flash, spending time in her orchid garden, having a book in her hand and her toes in the sand on her beloved Marco Island.

Services: Private family memorial services will be held at a later date.

  Doesn't she look so lovely, she has been missed by her many Kirkwood friends I'm sure- RIP Pam.

TWO MORE OF OUR KHS65 GIRLS HAVE LEFT US, MUCH TOO SOON

It is once again my sad duty to tell you of the death of two of our classmates.  Marilyn Haakman Wurth-Perry has died recently and here is her obituary:

Marilyn Haakman-wurth Perry

Marilyn Haakman Perry   November 30, 1946 – February 1, 2025

Marilyn Perry, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on February 1st after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Born on November 30, 1946, Marilyn grew up with a deep love for family, laughter, and the simple joys of life. She carried that love into everything she did, touching the lives of all who knew her with her kindness, wisdom, and grace. Marilyn was born in St. Louis, but eventually followed her dream to move to Florida to be by the sandy beaches and the warmer weather. There, she was able to explore new places, embrace the welcoming community, and create lasting relationships with those she met before moving back to the midwest.  Marilyn’s greatest joy was her family, always offering unconditional love, wisdom, and support. She was a devoted mother to her two sons, Scott (Elizabeth) Wurth and Eric (Debbie) Wurth, whom she adored with all her heart. Her love extended to her grandchildren (Chase, Gavin, Hayden) and great grandchild (Camden), who brought her endless joy. She was truly blessed to share a bond like no other with her dear sister, Nancy (Ron) Seeker, who was not just family, but her best friend and caretaker in her final days. She also leaves behind two nephews, Matt (Suzi) and Mark (Robin), and many dear friends from St. Louis to Florida, who will forever hold her memory close.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday February 28th from 3-5 pm at St. Louis Cremation (320 Jungermann Rd, St Peters, MO), where those who loved her will gather to honor her spirit, share memories, and find comfort in the bond she created among them.

Marilyn’s strength, love, and laughter will never be forgotten. Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished in our hearts.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to LUNGevity, the nation’s largest lung cancer-focused nonprofit, in her honor.

Right after learning about Marilyn's death I learned that Lynn Blackwell Bullerdick died on February 1.  Lynn has always lived here in St. Louis County but had not been in close contact with some of us in recent years.  I was hoping to contact her soon regarding our upcoming 60th Reunion, happening the last weekend in September at Orlando's Event Center in Maryland Heights, with a Friday night no-host get-together somewhere likely in Kirkwood, and a picnic at Kirkwood Park on Sunday, our regular routine!  

Here is Lynn's obituary (who was a cousin of our classmate Bill Hindman which some of you may not remember): https://www.stlfuneral.com/obituaries/lynn-bullerdick/#!/Obituary

Visitation is Feb 15 10:30 - 12:30 at Chapel Hill Mortuary 10301 Big Bend Road, Kirkwood - with graveside service at Oak Hill Cemetery there at 12:30.  As Leslie Bright Wainwright just said, she was a lot of fun, easy to get in trouble with...to which I have to agree as I did that too, more than once!

 This sad news delivery service is getting to me, we all need good news!  Send me some and I'll post it!