Catherine F. Hofbauer, age 49, of Albert Lea, formerly of Buffalo Center, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, March 11, 2004, at Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.

Cathy had been diagnosed and treated for lung cancer even though she never smoked. The cancer proved to be an obstacle she could not overcome.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 15, at the United Methodist Church in Buffalo Center, Iowa, with the Rev. Lois Abel officiating. Inurnment will take place at Olena Mound Cemetery, Buffalo Center.

Catherine Fay Hofbauer was born on Jan. 6, 1955, at Buffalo Center, Iowa, the daughter of Harold and Burdine (Hanson) Hofbauer. She was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church in Buffalo Center, Iowa. Cathy attended and graduated from Buffalo Center High School in1973. Following her graduation, she attended NIACC in Mason City, where she took and completed their medical office assistant program.

Cathy lived in Albert Lea where she worked as a medical coder for the Albert Lea Medical Center. She truly loved her work and was blessed to have made such wonderful friendships during her career. For enjoyment, Cathy appreciated nature by taking walks around Fountain Lake, bird watching, growing flowers, fishing, and traveling. She also participated in sports such as softball, bowling, and golfing. Cathy was proud to have been a marshal at the Senior PGA in Minneapolis from 2000 until 2002. In addition, Catherine donated her time and her skills to Habitat for Humanity in Albert Lea.

Survivors include her parents, Harold and Burdine Hofbauer of Buffalo Center, Iowa; grandfather, Henry Hofbauer of Buffalo Center; her friend and very important part in her life, Michael Ehlert of Owatonna; sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Julius and Anne Hanson; her paternal grandmother, Alice Hofbauer; and by her cat, Zeus.

Winter Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Buffalo Center, is in charge of arrangements.