Emma E. Hobert

Emma E. Hobert, 101, passed away Feb. 5, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Pastor Steve Hansen of Trinity United Methodist Church will preside over graveside services at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 9 at Riverside Cemetery in Charles City, following the graveside service for her sister, Esther Rolph, at 11 a.m. In case of inclement weather, services will be held at Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home.

Born on May 24, 1920 in Charles City, Emma graduated from Charles City High School in 1937. During World War II, she worked as a taxicab driver and at the Oliver Farm Equipment Company office in Charles City.

Emma was a hard worker who always tried to improve her skills. After moving to Cedar Falls, she worked full time at Viking Pump, was married with a young child, and still took night classes in accounting at Gates Business School in Waterloo.

In 1958, Emma moved to Colorado and spent most of the next 50 years of active life in Denver. At the peak of her career, Emma Hobert was “secretary-treasurer and member of the board of directors at Cates First Avenue, long recognized as Denver’s leading suburban shop for women, selling exclusive ready-to-wear,” per the Denver Post.

The last 14 years of Emma’s life were spent in Phoenix, Ariz., near her daughter and family. Emma’s great treasures in life were her faith, her family and her friends.

Emma’s family roots run deep in Charles City, where her maternal grandfather, Martin Gifford, arrived from Long Island, N.Y. on the Orphan Train as a 12-year-old. Born July 11, 1860, Martin was raised by local funeral director William Brandau. Martin attended college in Ames, Iowa before marrying Elizabeth Toepfer in 1881, who lived to be 95 years old. German was spoken in their home, and they were Methodists.

The daughter of Martin and Elizabeth Gifford, Katherine E. Gifford, a “country schoolmarm” and 1911 graduate of Iowa’s Normal School in Cedar Falls, was Emma’s mother. Emma’s father was T. Paul Royal from Yadkinville, North Carolina. They preceded Emma in death, as did all of her siblings: Ruth M. (Leslie) McManigle, Clara (Roy) Gulick, Jennie K. (John) Scott, Esther A. (Arnold) Rolph, and George E. (Florene) Royal. Former husbands Calvin Hoy and Donald Hobert also preceded her in death; she was widowed by H. Dave Collins. Also preceding Emma in death were stepsons Alan (Dee) Hobert, Dr. D. Kent (Nancy) Hobert and Gary (Elizabeth) Collins.

Emma is survived by her daughter, Karol Hoy (Dr. John) Schlicher, and grandchildren Katherine (Dr. Kenneth) Harkin, Anne (Gary) Gin, and Sarah J. Schlicher. Great-grandchildren include Daniel J. Harkin, Jillian N. Harkin, Grace E. Gin and Tessa Rae Gin. Emma is also survived by step-grandchildren Timothy K. Hobert, Beth Hobert, Amy (Tom) Beaty, Lisa (William) Rowley and David (Allison) Collins. She is also survived by beloved daughters-in-law, step-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Emma’s family is forever grateful to the loving, professional care provided by The Stratford of Phoenix staff, now Avamere, and staff. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Alzheimer’s Foundation.

Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, 1205 South Main Street, Charles City, Iowa 50616 is in charge of local arrangements. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall for the family at www.hauserfh.com.