Gerald “Jerry” Hoffelmeyer, 90, of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Jerry was born January 1, 1935, in St. Joseph, MO, the son of Henry and Thelma Hoffelmeyer. Jerry attended St. Mary's grade school and Christian Brothers High School, where he graduated in 1953. He met the love of his life, Patricia Schellhorn, and they married at Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph on September 18, 1954. They celebrated 67 years of marriage before her passing in 2022.
Jerry was a devout Catholic who prayed the rosary daily, and his faith was the cornerstone of his family’s life. He worked up to three jobs at a time to ensure that his children could attend Cathedral Grade School and Bishop LeBlond High School, guiding them through a life of faith. Jerry cherished being surrounded by his family, and he and Pat loved hosting holiday gatherings and family milestone events at their home.
He was a member of the St. Joseph Council 571, Knights of Columbus and a 4th Degree Knight of St. Joseph Assembly 569. In his free time he enjoyed fishing with family and friends.
Jerry spent many hours working on the family farm before embarking on his long career at Wire Rope Corporation, where he dedicated 44 years of service.
The family would like to give special thanks to his granddaughter, Dr. Corinne Flaska for all her loving care.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Patricia, and son Chris.
Jerry is survived by his children, son Paul, daughters Catherine (Steve) Ridens, Julie (Steve) Pfleiderer, Sara (Jim) Edwards, all of St. Joseph, and daughter-in-law Julie Hoffelmeyer, Marshall, MO. Eleven grandchildren: Corinne (Tom) Flaska, Vanessa (Adam) Hoffman, Kevin Ridens, Stephanie (Adam) Day, Kim Stonecipher, Bryan (Adrienne) Pfleiderer, Nicole Edwards, Jimmy (Cortney) Edwards, Josh (Natalie) Hoffelmeyer, Daniel (Allyson) Hoffelmeyer, and Maggie Hoffelmeyer, and twelve great-grandchildren. His brother Bill (Mary Ann) Hoffelmeyer, his sister Suzie (Bill) Swords, and many nieces and nephews.
Jerry will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
Mass of Christian Burial and Public Livestream 10:00 A.M. Friday, St. Joseph Cathedral Catholic Church. Interment Mount Olivet Cemetery. Parish Rosary 5:30 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:30 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Joseph Cathedral Catholic Church or the Msgr. Charles Nowland Cathedral Endowment Fund.
