By Anne Kersten

Thursday, November 12, 1987
Official newspaper of the Diocese of Sioux City, Iowa

Catholic education was always very important to Genevieve Matt Hoffman, Carroll.

Mrs. Hoffman, who died June 12, was the founder of the Catholic School Foundation.  Upon her death Mrs. Hoffman gave outright title to a 240-acre farm to the Catholic School Foundation with an approximate value of $265,000.

“Tremendous foresight by Mr. and Mrs. Matt back in 1968 foresaw a need for a third source of income beyond tuition and parish support,” said Father Andrew Hoffman, superintendent of schools in the Sioux City Diocese.

Father Hoffman explained that many colleges and universities are well endowed but secondary and elementary schools are also in need of support, which Mr. and Mrs. Matt envisioned.  “Their endowment of elementary and secondary schools was a break-through,” Father Hoffman stressed.  “There was tremendous wisdom in this gift. This is an eternal gift, it will always generate income.”

Mrs. Mary Ann Mikos, Fort Dodge, who is the daughter of Mrs. Hoffman discussed her

Mother’s feelings concerning Catholic Education.  Twenty years ago Mother realized the necessity for continuing Catholic education … and the financial burdens that this was going to place on people.

“I think the Foundation was her answer; it provided a way that Catholic education could be continued and it gave some financial relief,” Mrs. Mikos said.

Mrs. Hoffman, who was a long-time supporter of church and charitable organizations in the Carroll area, gave her initial gift, a 160-acre farm valued at $250,000, in 1969 in memory of her first husband, Hugh A. Matt of Carroll.  Mr. Matt was the founder of the Matt Furniture Companies of Iowa. The plan of the foundation was to invite interested parties to follow the example of Mrs. Matt Hoffman by contributing funds or properties either through direct gifts or legacies.

Genevieve Matt-Hoffman was born at Lawrence, NE, and grew up in the Lawrence and Omaha, Ne, areas. She attended Lawrence schools and later taught elementary school in Lawrence.

In 1925, she married Hugh A. Matt. Following their marriage they lived in Carroll where they established Matt Furniture Co.  Mr. Matt died in 1964.

In 1968 Mrs. Matt married Karl Hoffman in Humboldt.  They lived in Algona until 1974. when they moved to Carroll.

Mrs. Mikos added that religion was very important to her mother.  “She lived it, she acted it out.  I think this foundation proves it.  She was a great faith example.”

Mrs. Mikos said her mother had many gifts, “For example, during the war, she often went to the hospital when someone was dying.  They would call her and she would go and be with them.  This went on for many years.

Mrs. Mikos further explained why Catholic education meant a lot to her mother. “She was a school teacher and principal in the early 20’s.  She taught all eight grades in a country school, living with families in the area.  She realized the importance of education all her life.

Mrs. Hoffman was active in the church; she was a member of St. Lawrence Parish, the Parish Ladies Guild, the Carroll Catholic Daughters of America and the Legion of Mary.