Norman Hoppe, a long time Antigo resident, found peace in the arms of
our Savior, on Saturday, November 3, 2018, at his home in Janesville, surrounded by family.
He was 91 years old. He was born on March 31,1927, in Antigo, the son of
Oscar and Anna (Hoffmeister) Hoppe. He married the love of his life,
Viola Bentz, on May 8, 1948, at St John Catholic Church, in Antigo.
They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this year.

He attended Strassberg and Sugar Bush grade schools, and proudly
served in the United States Navy with the Seabees, from 1945-1948. He
was stationed in the Philippines for 23 months.

His early work history included employment at Antigo Milk Products and
Antigo Building and Supply. For 40 years, he worked for Antigo Co-op
Oil, as their manager of hardware and machinery. He worked long, hard
hours, and was devoted to pleasing his customers, many of whom became
good friends.

Norm and Vi moved to Janesville in 2015, to be closer to family.

He was a member of St John Catholic Church, Antigo, where he ushered for many
years. He belonged to the Holy Name Society, the Leland-Tollefson
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2653, and Antigo Rotary Club.

During their 70 years of marriage, they kept the flame of love alive,
always having great respect for each other, truly living for one
another. The life they lived together was a true love story. He was a
devoted father and grandfather, and loved spending time with his
grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who adored him. He could put a
smile on the face of any child, with his wit and charm.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling and working with wood as a
cabinet maker. He enjoyed working in his yard and fixing anything that
needed repair. He was always ready to help anyone in need, whether it
was on the farm, or building and remodeling.

Survivors include, his wife Vi, a daughter, Peggy (Gary) Mecklenburg,
Janesville; a son John Hoppe, California; five grandchildren, Chris
Hoppe, California; Paul (Cathy) Woods, Verona; Peter Woods, Michigan;
Sarah (Mike) Falconer, California; Elizabeth (Josh) Enerson,
Janesville; and one step grandchild, Lora Schoville, Janesville, 16
great-grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, and one great great
grandson; two sisters, Betty (Edward) Seeman, DePere; Yvonne (Ron)
Breuer; Minnesota; three brothers, James (Gail) Smith, Antigo; Jerry
(Judy) Smith, Antigo; and Richard Smith of Aniwa; as well as many beloved
nieces, nephews, family and friends, including Lynn (Pat) Devlin, and
James (Kathy) Woods.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister-in law, Val Smith;
two step mothers: Marie Hoppe, and Marcella Smith, and stepfather,
Clayton Smith.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 7, 2018, at 11 a.m. at St John Catholic Church, with Rev. Charles Hoffman officiating. Entombment will take place in the Queen of Peace Mausoleum.

Visitation will be Tuesday, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Bradley Funeral Home, and from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in Hoffmann Hall at the church.

A parish wake service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

A memorial will be established for the American Heart Association.

When I come to the end of my journey, and the sun has set on me, I want no tears in a gloom filled room, why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little, but not too long. And not with your head hung low. Remember the laughter that we once shared. Miss me, but let me go. For this journey that we all must take, and each must go alone, it's all a part of the Father's plan, a step on our grand road home. When you are lonely and sick at heart, go to the friends we know, and bury your sorrows by doing a kindness. Miss me, but let me go.

Services