Obituaries: Hoppe

Posted on January 26, 2018

John HoppeJohn Hoppe

John Hoppe confidently stepped into Eternity on Tuesday evening, Jan. 23, 2018, surrounded by family, after a brief illness.

John was born on Nov. 4, 1940 in Lima, Ohio, the son of George and Mary K. Sweeney Hoppe.

He graduated from Trinity High School and Illinois State University. He worked for Eureka Williams for 34 years, attaining the position of Vice President of International Sales and Marketing. John always believed in being a hard worker in everything you do. His grandfather and father, whom he admired and respected greatly, owned a smoke shop and a pool hall in downtown Bloomington for many years.

After an early retirement, John chose a quiet life in the countryside. He often enjoyed time on his tractor and sitting by his pond. He called it his “church” because he felt closest to God there. John was a big fan of Illinois State University Redbird Athletics; he played baseball during his time there, and had reserved seats to their basketball games for many years.

John married the love of his life, Sandy Shepherd Hoppe, his best friend and soulmate for 42 years. He was the father of two daughters; Michelle Hoppe of Oceanside, Calif., Kelley (Troy) Hoppe Wickenhauser of Downs, Ill.; and a son, Sean Hoppe, of Arizona. John spoke often of his amazing grandchildren; Cody (Kelsey) Wickenhauser, Cami (Jeff) Wickenhauser Mayfield, Austin (Holly) and Addison Hoppe of Ohio. He was totally captivated by his one great-grandson, Noah Wickenhauser, the apple of his eye.

Special people in his life include his sister-in-law, Marilee Alvey, daughter-in-law, Christine Veale Hoppe, special friend “Angel” Roberts, as well as each of his neighbors. His family would like to thank BroMenn Hospice and Dr. Hughes for their compassionate service to him.

Cremation rites will be accorded. Visitation will be on Monday, Jan. 29, 2018, from 4-7 p.m. at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington. Funeral services will be at Eastview Christian Church on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018, at 1 p.m. with Mike Baker officiating. Memorials may be made out to Illinois State University Redbird Athletics, given in memory of John Hoppe.

To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.

John was a wonderful, loving husband, father, grandpa and friend. He never knew a stranger. He will be greatly missed.

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