Thomas L. Hoppe
October 18, 2011

Thomas L. Hoppe, 72, Green Bay, passed away on September 20, 2009 in the comfort of his home surrounded and cared for by his loving family. He was born April 18, 1937 in Wausau. He wed his best friend and beloved partner in life, Sheryn Ruth King, on June 21, 1958. He courageously battled the onslaught of cancer for the past 10 years. He did this to allow himself the opportunity to meet and cherish each of his grandchildren for as long as possible.
He was a radio announcer (disc jockey) for 40 years. Following this he drove school bus for Lamers Bus Line for a few years. His greatest vocational pride came from being a minister for the Central church of Christ for over 40 years. He was a man who had a great faith in his God and a great love of his family and country. He enjoyed being a member of the EAA, loved steam trains, loved watching the Packers and the Badgers, and greatly appreciated the study of military history. Being a disc jockey, he had a great love and appreciation for all types of music but he was always partial to the "oldies". He greatly enjoyed going to movies and was a very big fan of the original Pink Panther series. The laughter and joy those films gave to him will always be remembered by his family and friends each New Year's Eve. He was passionate in his religion and the study of God's word to mankind. He received great joy in having the opportunity to share these interests with his family and friends.
He is survived by his partner in life and in eventual eternity, Sheryn; and their three children Tamera (Joe) Van Beek, Timothy (Pam) Hoppe, Jennifer (Roger) Ripley, and an "adopted" daughter (Beth Wery). He is also survived by 6 grandchildren: Sam Van Beek, Sydney and Madison Ripley, and Justin, Logan Nicole, and Jessica Hoppe. He is also survived by a sister, Susan Kanitz, an "adopted" sister, Chris Wery, an aunt, Lillian Hoppe, and several nieces and nephews. Finally, he is survived by his constant companion of the past 12 years, Trinka (a miniature dachshund).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Gertrude Hoppe, a sister, Sharon Swanson, and several aunts and uncles.
Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 pm Wednesday, September 23, at Lyndahl Funeral Home where a Service of Remembrance will take place at 7 pm with Dan Nitz presiding. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a memorial fund has been established.
2 Timothy 4 verses 6 - 8:
6 "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand." 7 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:" 8 "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."
The family would like to express a special thanks to the caregivers from Unity Hospice, especially Kathy and Sue. A special "Thank you" goes to his surgeon, Jeffrey Block, whose skills and concern were a gift sent from God to allow our father to live as long as he did after the cancer was discovered.

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