William Harry "Bill" Hoppe

William Harry "Bill" Hoppe, of Shawano, born February 3, 1944, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, after a long battle with stroke-related health issues. Bill was the son of Harry and LaVerna (Priem) Hoppe of Shawano. Bill, a graduate of St. James Lutheran School and Shawano High School, also served in the United States Army in Germany, with special training in arterial radar. Bill worked in the burial vault business, retiring after many years of working at Brown Wilbert Vault Company in De Pere. As a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bill was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Bishop Fox Council #2836 for over fifty years. He served on many committees and many projects including Bingo, the Tootsie Roll fundraisers, the Brat Barn and Porky Pancake breakfasts. Bill held several offices in the council including Grand Knight and District Deputy. He was also a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Marquette Council #1197 in Green Bay.

Bill had many interests including fishing - both warm and icy, deer hunting with his sons and brother-in-law Sam Miller, helping his parents with the field work at the farm. He did not care for the cows - especially being slapped in the face with a messy tail while putting on the milking machine early in the morning. He also loved golfing, boating on Shawano Lake with the family, vacationing for many years in the Lakewood area, and visiting the aunts and uncles in Sauk City - our version of Disney World where the aunts would spoil the kids for a few days at a time. Bill loved the Packers! He helped with the RhubarbFest for several years.

Bill and Mary ushered at the Weidner in Green Bay for over 20 years, making new friends and enjoying wonderful programs. Bill and Mary also loved to travel the globe to see the wonders of nature, countries, people, and the sea. Each day, pictures pop up on the computer which bring back memories of their travels. Bill was the kindest person - always willing to help his family, neighbors, and friends. He loved his John Deere riding mower and was always willing to help others after the snowfalls. Bill also "encouraged" Mary's obsession with fabric and quilting. The kids remember the games that Dad would play "red light green light" or "kick the can" with them and the neighbors' kids - also known as The Smalley Street Gang. Good, ordinary, outdoor fun for kids! No internet service or passwords needed! They had to be home when the street lights went on.

Bill is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, the former Mary Flauger. Bill and Mary are the parents of son Douglas (Julie) Hoppe of Green Bay, WI, daughter Laura Hoppe of McFarland, WI, daughter Susan (Dan) Frank of Carrollton, Missouri, and son Timothy (Kristin) Hoppe of Thomaston, Georgia. Bill is also survived by his sister Sharon Schutt of Clintonville and her grands. Bill was always so proud of the "Grands" and "Greats" - Granddaughter Alexandra Besaw of Green Bay and children Ruby, Charlotte, and Eloise, Grandson Brandon (April) Hoppe of Green Bay; Grandson Logan Frank (Brandi) of Shelby, North Carolina, and children Hannah, Alyssa, Braydon, Ava; Grandson Joshua (Sheridan) Frank and children Margaret and Betsy; Grandson Gabriel (Hallie) Frank and son Shepherd; Grandsons Noah Frank, and Jonah Frank of Carrollton, Missouri; Granddaughter Tia Hoppe, Grandsons Ethan Hoppe, Gavin Hoppe (Sundee), great granddaughter to be Elvira of Thomaston, Georgia. Grandnieces Tiara Deyo, Allexis Johnson, great grandnephew Colter. And, of course, Bernie, our cuddly Bernadoodle, who misses Bill very much. Can't forget Tony, the Springer, who loved to go hunting and would run like crazy in the fields and woods, and Button, the Bichon, who also loved to snuggle.

When Bill and Mary married, Bill's family increased with the addition of sisters-in-law Rita Staub, Linda Flauger, Fran Miller, and Patty Asiala and brother-in-law Jack Flauger. They all remember Bill being so much fun and adventurous. They loved the rides in Bill's convertible to Sandy Beach to swim and have fun. He was loved by them!

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Harry and LaVerna, nieces Shannon and Jessica Schutt, brother-in-law Lewis Schutt, and sister-in-law Linda Flauger.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday October 25, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Fr. Edward Looney officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9:30 am until the time of service. Military Honors will be conducted by the Shawano American Legion Post #117 at the church. Inurnment will be at a later date. Memorials can be made to Sacred Heart Catholic School Scholarship Fund, St. James Lutheran School Scholarship Fund, Sacred Heart Parish, or to a favorite good works organization.

Thank you to Hospice, especially Sabrina, Christina, Heather, and Jolene. Many thanks for the wonderful care at Shawano ThedaCare Hospital. Also "Thank you" to Shawano Ambulance for the caring trips for Bill to the hospital. We appreciate all of you!!!