John Taylor Hoppe

John T. (Jack) Hoppe, age 85, died Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, with his granddaughter, Ashley at his side.

Jack (Papa) was born on December 21st, 1938, to John A. Hoppe Jr. and Elsie (Falconer) Hoppe. Hard work wasn’t something he shied away from as a 1956 Duluth East and 1962 University of Minnesota-Duluth graduate. Jack got his first job delivering newspapers at 12 years old before beginning work at 16 with his grandfather John A. Hoppe Sr. doing his land survey work, drawing plats and lot surveys until his grandfather’s death in 1969. Jack worked for 37 years for the City of Duluth’s Water and Gas Department starting in the Engineering Department and retired as the department’s Assistant Director at the end of December 1996, making treasured friends along the way.

Papa was a member of the Minnesota National Guard, discharging as a Staff Sergeant in February 1966. Papa was proud of his time in the Guards and was selected to be part of President Kennedy’s protective detail during the President’s September 1963 speech at UMD.

Papa loved Huskies and Twins baseball, UMD hockey, and the Minnesota Vikings. Papa also loved bowling, and it was his love of the sport and subsequent job at Ridgeview Lanes, that led to a meet-cute moment with his future wife, Beverly Kangas. They were married on January 11, 1964, at Concordia Lutheran Church. Together they welcomed two children, Jacqueline and Robert. As a family, they would travel to the Wisconsin Dells and spend countless days at the cabin. In due course, their family added 4 grandchildren, Ashley, Chucky, Joshua, and Megan.

Papa built a life he loved with Beverly, who passed away in February 2023. Along with celebrating and enjoying the good times, they also endured the hard times together. They grieved the loss of their parents, Elsie and John A. Hoppe Jr., Aune and Henry Kangas; their son, Robert; their grandson, Joshua; and brothers-in-law, Ken Kangas and Tex Rhodes.

Papa is survived by his daughter, Jacqueline (Paul); granddaughters, Ashley and Megan; grandson, Chucky; sister, Janet; sister-in-law, Sherry; niece, Vicki; nephews, Kenny John and Scott; daughter-in-law, Carole; and the family pets – especially Bella.

An obituary is too short of way to pay tribute and summarize the life of a man who put his family first, instilled a diligent work ethic in his children and grandchildren, had a very subtle sense of humor, and always strove to do the right thing.

A private family graveside service will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery.