Ernest I. "Ernie" Hopp

Ernest (Ernie) I. Hopp Ernest I. Hopp was called home to the healing arms of his Lord on March 31, 2011 after a determined battle with cancer. Born on June 9th, 1925 in Winlock, Washington, he is preceded in death by his loving wife Irene Fearn Hopp, father William A. Hopp, mother Esther Ida Rieke, adopted mother Erma Hopp, Aunt Martha and William Labes. Survived by three daughters and sons-in-law Michelle and Mark Mussie, Renee and Scott Robbins and Jeanine and William Wernofsky, grandchildren Marquel and Jessica Mussie, Shelby Robbins, Jaclyn, Gregory, Daniel Wernofsky; brother Vernon Hopp, niece Kathy Hopp Lowe; sister-in-law Joyce and Dr. Edward Funk, niece Cynthia and Stephen Shommer and nephew Brian and Simona Funk, cousin Paul and Janet Labes. Ernie faced challenges with his ever present faith in God and promise of eternal salvation until his work on earth was finished. Ernie graduated from Winlock High School in 1943. During WWII, he enlisted in the Navy and studied at the University of South Carolina. Upon his Honorary Discharge he continued studying at Pacific Lutheran College then Washington State College and received his B.S. from Oregon State College in Poultry Husbandry in 1949 and began his career with W.S.U. Agricultural Extension Service, as an Assistant Extension Agent. Ernie enjoyed polka music, being a 4H leader & calling square dances at Fruitland Grange. In April of 1952 he married Hazel Irene Fearn, local actress, singer, and teacher at Puyallup High School. They lived in Puyallup later moving up to South Hill where Ernie started two poultry farms, and served on the Washington State Fryer Commission. In 1962 he received his Master Degree from O.S.U. and became a full faculty member & State Supervisor at the Extension Center. Ernie was a devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs, PLU football and basketball. Ernie was a Rotarian, served on the Pierce County Land Commission, founding member of Q-Club. Ernie and Irene were faithful members of First Presbyterian Church where Ernie served as an elder and taught ninth grade Sunday school. A memorial service for Ernest will be held at First Presbyterian Church 20 Tacoma Ave., Tacoma, WA 98402 on Sunday May 15th at 2:30 p.m. Remembrances can be made to First Presbyterian Church in Tacoma or charity of choice.