HARRY RUSSELL HOPPE

VASSAR, formerly ALPENA — Mr. Harry Russell Hoppe, age 91, passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, at Tuscola County Medical Care Facility. The family extends their sincere thanks and appreciation to the staff for their care of Harry.

Harry’s family will welcome visitors to Hanlin Funeral Home in Vassar from 2 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. Harry will be laid to rest privately in Riverside Cemetery.

Harry was born on July 11, 1933, in Alpena, to parents Charles and Olga (nee Kerschner) Hoppe. He was raised alongside his 10 siblings and attended Alpena schools. Harry joined the Merchant Marines and then honorably served in the U.S. Army as a tank driver. Harry married the love of his life, Joyce Calcut, on Jan. 28, 1956. Together they shared countless memories, raised their children Mary and Jerry, and celebrated 52 years of marriage before her passing in 2008.

Harry retired from Saginaw Steering Gear. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt for deer, bear, and caribou. He also enjoyed trout and salmon fishing. Harry liked to tend to his garden and fruit trees, read Western novels, and snowmobile. He and Joyce traveled all over the U.S. and Alaska and spent their winters in New Smyrna, Florida. Above all, Harry loved his family and the time he spent with them.

He is survived by his children: Mary (Mark) Hoppe-LaFever, and Jerry (Debbie) Hoppe; grandchildren: Amy (Tim) Donnelly-Bickel, Jenny (Jay) Donnelly-Schiattone, Tricia (Adam) Donnelly-Haubenstricker, Darcy (Trevor) LaFever-Mielke, and Mark LaFever; great-grandchildren: Kayla (Ben) Schramm, Calista Bickel, and Addison Bickel; great-great-grandchild, Kash Schramm; sister, Lucille Slick; lifelong friend, Howard Standen; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joyce; grandson, Gerald Michael Hoppe; infant daughter, Beth Hoppe; parents, Charles and Olga; brothers: William, Alfred, Ervin, Robert, Jim, and Ralph; sisters: Olga, Hattie, and Florence; as well as extended family and friends.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Parkinson’s Foundation or American Cancer Society.

Harry and his family are in the care of Hanlin Funeral Home – Vassar. 1148 W. Saginaw Rd, Vassar, MI 48768. Phone (989) 823-8621.