John Hoppe, age 70, best known as "The Hop", passed away at Meadowood Nursing Center in Clear Lake, California, on April 13, 2022, from complications of MS. He was born in Antigo on January 4, 1952, the son of Norman and Viola Hoppe. John graduated from Antigo High School. He married Lynn Wichgers. Together, they had two children, Chris Hoppe and Sarah Hoppe Falconer, both of California.
Starting at a very young age, John was a hard worker. He sold newspapers after mass at St. John Catholic Church every Sunday where he also served as an altar boy and ushered. At age 15, he helped his Uncle Marv and learned auto mechanics. He always had a love for cars, especially fast ones. John also enjoyed water skiing, downhill skiing, parasailing, motorbiking and drag racing. He spent time working at the Antigo Co-op Oil station, as well as Cousineau Auto. Most of his work centered around driving semi over the road. In 1989, he moved to California, and found his love for carpentry.
John always stayed in contact with his childhood friends, as well as making new friends along the way. About a week before he passed, he had a surprise visit from long-time best friends, Larry and Peggy Prince from Antigo. John's beloved dog, Bella, rarely left his side.
He is survived by his mother, Viola Hoppe; son, Chris Hoppe; daughter, Sarah Hoppe (Mike Falconer); grandchildren, Kera (Christian Irwin), Christopher, Kristen, Austin, Mason and Jake; great-grandson, Carter; his ex-wife, Lynn Devlin; and sister, Peggy (Gary) Mecklenburg. He is further survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
John was welcomed home in heaven by his dad, Norman; godparents, Marvin and Gloria Tessmer; grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 1 p.m. at St. John Catholic Church with Reverend Charles Hoffmann officiating. Visitation will be Saturday at church in Hoffmann Hall from 12 to 1 p.m.
Bradley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences at www.bradleyfh.com.
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Antigo, Wisconsin 54409
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Antigo, Wisconsin 54409
John you were a good friend from St.Johns through the end you will be missed R.I.P
John and I have been friends since middle school I always enjoyed his phone calls from CA He called to catch up on everyone in Antigo Wanting to hear what all of his classmates were up to Will miss him He was a close friend Becki Kassis
Good bye to Johnnie he grow up across the alley from us !!! His pain is over we'll meet again in heaven!!!!
John was a good friend and we shared many memorable times. I have spoken with John numerous times over the years and he always filled me in on what the Class of 1970 latest news was and what his Mom, Dad, and sister Peg were up to. John never quit and I am sure he was still trying to put the whole story together when God called for him. I will miss hearing from you John but someday we will travel together again.
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