Sonia Kay Hofmann

Sonia Kay Hofmann, 88, of Marine, IL, formerly of Davenport, IA, passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville, IL.

Sonia was born on July 14, 1938, in Rock Island, IL, to Knut A. and Hazel E. (nee Roberts) Lee.

Sonia was a woman of many facets and a trailblazer for women. She was the first woman inspector for Bendex. She acquired her FCC license in radio, running a station in Davenport. She worked as an underwriter lab inspector in the Quad Cities, an office manager for Wareco, and she owned an art studio ‘Sonia's Ceramics’ which was located on Locust St. Davenport, IA. She worked in Moline, IL as a counselor for alcohol and substance abuse. Sonia was known for her intelligence, artistic abilities, strong will, her love of felines especially tigers, and most of all a woman who loved her family. She had a passion for volunteering. Including working the voter polls, helping at large cat sanctuaries, and running ‘Compassionate Friend’ a suicide prevention line. She was also a Red Hat Society member. She touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

Sonia was preceded in death by her parents, Knut and Hazel Lee: an infant daughter who passed away at birth, a son, Thomas R. Hofmann, and many close friends.

Sonia is survived by her son, Jeff (Billie) Hofmann; grandchildren, Nicole Marvin, Charlie (Brandi) Hofmann, Billy (Angelle) Hofmann, Eric J. (Stephanie) Hofmann, Becca (Jason Nail) Hofmann, Kristine (Bradley Merkle) Hofmann, Josie (Andrew) Gerstenecker, Luke J. William Hofmann; 17 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and her lifelong best friend, Judy Bowling.

Memorial donations may be made to the Animal Shelter or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Burial at Rock Island, IL will be held at a later date.

Meredith Funeral Home, Highland, IL