Gladys J Hoffmeister

Gladys and Max Hoffmeister

Gladys J. Hoffmeister died on April 4, 2022, at Chase County Community Hospital in Imperial, Nebraska. She was born on February 21,1930, at Chase, Chase County Nebraska to Henry Milton Bussell and Lorena Sadie (Harmon) Bussell. As a result of a handwritten Birth Certificate, there was always a question as to whether her middle name was June or Jane. Her school records used both names. She preferred the name June, as evidenced by the fact that she used June as the middle name for her daughter LaDene.

Gladys and her family moved to a farm northwest of Lamar Nebraska shortly after her birth. She attended Lamar Grade School and graduated from Chase County High School in spring 1948. Gladys and Max became engaged in Denver at the Western Livestock Show where family cattle were being shown and after Max returned from his service in the U.S. Army. They were married on August 17, 1948, and had four children: Bonita, Fred, Andy, and LaDene. Gladys and Max celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary just prior to Max’s death on November 13, 2020.

Throughout their marriage, Max and Gladys lived, farmed, and raised registered Angus cattle in Imperial. They regularly attended events associated with the Nebraska Angus Association, including many field days held at Angus ranches across the State. In 1967 Gladys and Max hosted such a field day at their family farm in Imperial. They made many lasting friendships throughout the State through the Angus Association.

In their own hometown of Imperial, they were part of a monthly Card Party Club, whose members included many other alumni from Chase County High. Gladys also participated in many other card parties in Imperial. She continued to play cards at the Senior Center until her last illness in March 2022. She also enjoyed movies. Before “Dancing with the Stars,” there was the movie “Dirty Dancing.” Gladys loved the dancing and the music in “Dirty Dancing” and she frequently told her family that this was her favorite movie! She also loved listening to the music of Elvis and Johnny Cash.

Gladys and Max were long time members of the Methodist Church of Imperial. Gladys was a Den Mother for sons’ Cub Scout Pack and was also active in Girl Scouts. She helped with many trips for Rainbow Girls and drove many miles for the Boy Scouts. Gladys and Max transported their sons and other boys to various camps around the State. Gladys was also involved with the Chase County High School Future Homemakers of America and enjoyed a camping trip with them.

Although she was busy with all these activities, she made time for her painting, sketching, and quilting. Gladys was a gifted artist and quilter, and her paintings and quilts are proudly displayed in the homes of her children, grandchildren, as well as many friends. Gladys also donated many of her hand made quilts to the Aids Babies Foundation. Quilting and painting were truly her passion.

Gladys was not only a farm wife and homemaker, but also worked outside the home. She ran the local redemption store for Mor-Value trading Stamps, as well as working at the City Clerk’s Office and the Chase County Clerk’s Office. Gladys excelled in all these positions, because of her enjoyment of talking and working with people.

As much as she enjoyed working with the public, she enjoyed time spent with her family even more. She particularly enjoyed the local family reunions with the Harmon and Bussell families who had lived in Chase County for several generations. She also enjoyed all the Hoffmeister family gatherings which included four children, eight grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren.

Gladys was a strong proponent of education and one of her favorite sayings was that education was the best investment anyone could make. In the mid 1990’s, Gladys achieved her dream of receiving her Associate’s Degree from the Mid-Plains Community College. She also taught art classes.


Gladys is survived by her children Bonita Sue Hoffmeister of Buford, Georgia; Frederick Wayne Hoffmeister and his partner Mary Ann Eaglin of Imperial; Andrew Warren Hoffmeister and his wife Nancy S. Freburg of Kearney; and LaDene June Culver and her husband Ronald of Laramie Wyoming. She is also survived by eight grandchildren; Michelle, Tonja, Jean, Katheryn, Nicole, Maura, and Danielle. She also leaves behind ten great grandchildren.

Gladys was predeceased by husband Max W. Hoffmeister; her parents; her parents in law; her brothers, Calvin Bussell and Olen J. Bussell and his wife Lois; sisters in law Mary Hoffmeister Hillberry and husband Alfred; and Ruth Hoffmeister Piva and her husband Louis. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorial Services for Gladys and Max Hoffmeister will be held Friday April 29, 2022, 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Imperial, NE., with Rev. Melody Newman officiating. Inurnment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery with full military honors. Lunch will be served at the Methodist Church following the graveside service.

Memorials have been suggested to the Chase County Community Hospital Foundation, The First United Methodist Church of Imperial, or the Chase County Historical Society.

On line condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com


LIEWER FUNERAL HOME ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS