Mary Kathryn Hoffert Horsman, age 81, of Fayetteville, Tennessee passed from this life to her home in heaven on April 19, 2019 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Mary K was born on March 24, 1938 in Pekin, IL to Fern M. and G. Elmer Hoffert, both of whom preceded her in death. Her brother, Robert E. Hoffert, also preceded her in death. Mary K is survived by her loving husband, Alan R (Al) Horsman; children, Karen (Dan) Tice, Brad Horsman, and Terri Horsman (Julie Siler); grandchildren, Patrick Tice, Nicholas Horsman, and Abigail Horsman; sister-in-law, Lila Beth Hoffert; and special friend and kidney donor, Lynn Sharpe.
Mary K grew up in Pekin, IL and graduated from Pekin High School. After high school, she enrolled at Iowa State University in Ames, IA, where she was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority. She graduated from Iowa State University in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Institution Management. Mary K and Al met at Iowa State and were married in November 1960 in Pekin, IL. They lived in Ridgway, PA where Al worked for the Elliott Co. until 1962 when he accepted a job with Amana Refrigeration in Amana, IA, and they moved to Cedar Rapids, IA. They lived in Cedar Rapids until 1968 at which time they relocated to Fayetteville, TN where Amana’s new air conditioner plant was under construction. The family soon thereafter joined Fayetteville First Presbyterian Church. She was very involved in her church and grandchildren’s lives. Mary K loved to cook and was employed by Fayetteville City Schools as manager of the city schools’ lunch program for twenty-five years before retiring in 2000. After retirement, she continued to be a loving wife, mother and grandmother. In August 2002, after suffering from end-stage kidney failure, she was generously given a kidney by her special friend, Lynn Sharpe.
Visitation with the family will be held at Fayetteville First Presbyterian Church from 11 AM until 1 PM on Monday, April 22, 2019. Funeral service will be conducted by Rev. Bruce McVey at 1 PM on Monday at the church. Burial will follow in Higgins Cedar Hills Memorial Gardens. Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Horsman.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fayetteville First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 472, Fayetteville, TN 37334, PKD Foundation (Polycystic Kidney Disease), 1001 E 100 First Terrace, Suite 220, Kansas City, MO 64131 or www.pkdcure.org, or Hospice of the Highland Rim, 1100 East Lauderdaile Street, Tullahoma, TN 37388.
Al & family,
I grew up with Mary Kay in Pekin, IL & we remained friends through high school. I’m so glad we got to get together again @ our 50th high school reunion. May God bless all of you and give you peace & comfort.
We were very sorry to hear of Mary K’s passing. She was the last living Hoffert of my mother’s generation . Fortunately I was able to speak with her right after Christmas for a little while. She was up that day.. I will always remember her warm smile and her gentile hospitality. I will continue to hold Al and their children close in my prayers.
We were very sorry to hear of Mary K’s passing. She was the last living Hoffert of my mother’s generation . Fortunately I was able to speak with her right after Christmas for a little while. She was up that day.. I will always remember her warm smile and her gentile hospitality. I will continue to hold Al and their children close in my prayers.
Al, Karen, Brad and Terri,
Your mother meant a great deal to me.
She was a great friend and mentor. She always met me with a bright smile and offered a listening ear and sound advice.
What a classy lady and loving mother.
She will be missed and never forgotten.
Always,
Gwen
Sorry Terri to here of your mothers passing you and your family will be in my prayers.
Brad, So sorry to hear about your mom. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Although only meeting Mary K a few times through my friendship with Al in Rotary , I felt her warmth and light and know Mary K will be sorely missed. My heart and prayers are with her family.
I had not heard of the passing of Mary K. She was a lovely Lady that will truly be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mike and Jeanie Hyde
Bryan Kennedy
Mary K was a person that I admired very much and she will be missed by a lot of people
We extend our sympathy to Al and family. Prayers for comfort to you.
Mr. Al and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Mary K. I remember her as the lunch lady from many years ago. I know she will be missed by all and my prayers are with you all at this very sad time. Keep all of your memories close.
Lenace Hyde Vaughn
So sorry to hear about this. Prayers for your family.
What a wonderful and loving lady. She will be missed. Thinking about you and your dear family.
So sorry for her passing. She is in a better place. Call me if you need anything.
I am sorry to hear this. Al, you and your family will continue to be in my prayers.
Al, Karen, Brad and Terri,
It is with great sadness I write about my feelings for Mary K.
Words can’t assuage the loss of a wife or parent, however it does help to hear how much one’s loved one touched others.
Mary K was one of those special ladies who touched 100’s with her smile and attention to detail.
Personally, Al and Mary K were like role models to me growing up.
I marveled at their relationship and enjoyed how they tolerated all my intrusions on a daily basis.
Al tought me how to play ball and Mary K was a great mother figure.
I always felt welcome, even wgen I knew I was intruding.
In adulthood we enjoyed a very nice relationship and counsel for Gwen and I.
I will never forget her and how nice she was to me.
A classy lady whom always did it right.
She was a great mother, wife, and friend.
Please know, for I have lost a parent, she will always be with you.
For me, I will never forget her, I have nothing but love for she and Al.
Good bless everyone and don’t hesitate ro ask if anything is needed.
Thank you for allowing me to intrude into your family.
I love you
Best wishes,
Very respectfully
Scott
I am so sorry to hear this. Praying for the family. She always had such a beautiful smile!