Robert Hoepner

Robert "Bob" Lloyd Hoepner, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, left this life after 79 years and entered eternal life on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.

Born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, on July 15, 1946, Bob was the son of Rudolph and Agnes (Marion) Hoepner. He received the Sacrament of Holy Baptism and became a child of God on August 4, 1946, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Theresa, Wisconsin, and was confirmed in his faith on April 10, 1960.

Bob prepared for the pastoral ministry at Northwestern Preparatory School in Watertown, Wisconsin, graduating in 1964, and continued his studies at Northwestern College, graduating in 1968. He earned his Master of Divinity degree from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wisconsin, in 1972, having served as vicar at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Ordained in 1972, Pastor Hoepner faithfully served the Lord for 43 years. He was installed as pastor of Centennial Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1972–1978), then accepted a call to establish a new mission at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Beckley, West Virginia (1978–1985). In 1985, he accepted the call to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he served until his retirement in 2015. While in Ann Arbor, he also ministered as part-time Campus Pastor to students at the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, and other local colleges. Throughout his ministry, Bob served his Lord in additional roles as chairman of the WELS Campus Ministry Committee, Coordinator of the Michigan District Evangelism Commission, and Chairman of the Huron Valley Lutheran High School Board of Regents.

Bob's commitment to service extended beyond his ministry. He was a member of Kiwanis International both in Beckley and Ann Arbor (Western), serving in many roles within the organization during his active time.

On July 25, 1970, Bob married Virginia King at Atonement Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Together they celebrated 55 years of marriage, adopted two sons, Joshua and Patrick, and were blessed with three grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Virginia; son, Joshua (Anita) Hoepner; son, Patrick Hoepner; grandchildren, Riley, Wolfgang, and Jase; nephew, John (Lynn) Maurin; nephew, Paul (Carol) Maurin; niece, Diane Zingsheim; and niece, Linda (Courtney) Daniel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Agnes Hoepner; sisters, Janet Maurin and Arlene (James) Kruzan; brother-in-law, David King; sister-in-law, Diane (née Potratz) King; and nephew, Fred Zingsheim.

A memorial service celebrating Pastor Hoepner's life and his entrance into glory will be held at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 7474 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan on January 2 at 11:00am. Visitation will be held on January 2 from 9:00-11:00am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Bob's family and friends will remember him as a faithful servant of Christ who proclaimed the Gospel with compassion and joy. "Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your master" (Matthew 25:21).

Please sign the Tribute Wall and share a memory of Robert.