Mark E. Hoffert, 62, died Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, peacefully at his home after a battle with pancreatic can-cer. A memorial service was held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 10, at Newton Church of the Way. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mark’s name (checks made payable to Susan Hoffert) to be used for a project at a later date, may be left at the church the day of the service or at the funeral home.
Mark, the son of Carl and Betty (Main) Hoffert, was born Oct. 13, 1960, in Newton. He graduated from Newton High School in 1979 and began working at Maytag Company in 1980. Feb. 28, 1980, Mark was united in marriage with Susan Dannen in Rising Sun. In 1990, he entered Maytag Skilled Trade Apprenticeship Program and earned his Journeyman of Machine Repair and Maintenance card. He kept machines running for Maytag Company and later Whirlpool until his retirement in 2020.
A member of UAW Local 997, Mark performed the duties of Shop Steward and of Plant Maintenance Representative during contract negotiations. An active member of the Newton Church of the Way, he acted as deacon and volunteer.
Mark believed using the skills God gave him to help others was his mission in life. A friend reminded us of the belt buckle Mark once wore: “Master Mechanic – Fixer of All,” saying this described The Master's life perfectly.
Mark enjoyed life going 100 miles an hour with his after-burners lit aflame. From the vast information he knew, to how fast he worked, friends remember with a call, Mark coming to the rescue to get them picked up, fixed up, pulled out, dug out, plowed out, helped out, or jump-started and on the road again. As a family, we will miss his dependable presence. His rescues and devotion made the people he encountered feel special.
Mark’s legacy of giving of himself will be carried on through his wife and best friend Susan Hoffert of Newton; his children Sabrina (Scott) Smead and Samantha Jutting of Newton; his grandchildren Karter, Gavin, Luke, and Max Smead, Landon Klosterboer, and Liberty Jutting; his brothers Marty (Rae Ann )Hoffert of Newton and Jon (Kristy) Hoffert of Ankeny; his siblings-in-law Andy and Terry Dannen of Newton and Judy and Eric Balbiani of Kelley; and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents and Susan's parents Glenn and Mary Ann Dannen.
