On Tuesday May 31st, 2016, Byron Hoppe left the burdens of this world peacefully in his sleep while in his home in Broadus, MT.
Byron was the first born, to Byron Hugo Hoppe and Luella May Kilfoy, on February 19, 1954 in Billings, MT. Byron was the eldest of 11 children, Donald Hoppe(Karin), Gary Hoppe(Tamera), Harold Hoppe(Verleen), Terry Hoppe, Karl Hoppe, Melody Harrison(Alan), Selena Hoppe, Hollie Hoppe, Wendy Hoppe, and Richard Hoppe. He assumed the responsibility of the “man of the house” at an early age. He took this responsibility seriously. He married his highschool sweetheart, Veronica Ruth Contreraz, August 31st 1974.They remained married for 28 years. Together they had 6 beautiful children, Veronica Dede(Michael), Kristena Ruffatto(Angelo), Alusha Hoppe, Roger Hoppe(Theresa), Alishia Tipton(Travis), and Jessica Baumgartner(Patrick). As well as numerous foster children. They were blessed with 21 grandchildren, Sierra, Brieann, Savannah, Liam, Maddox, Natalia, Evangeline, Reno, Sausha, Gabrielle, Lucian, Alexandra, Pandora, Mia, Macey, Kaylee, Kynzlie, Keldyn, Evann, Mercedeez, and Zoe-Kay. And one great granddaughter Madison Byrd (Brandon and Amber)
He was an avid outdoorsman, and loved to be referred to as a “ Mountain Man”. Before his stroke in 2000, every weekend was filled with horseshoes, camping, canoeing, fishing, bonfires, hunting, or gold panning. Byron LOVED dancing and making others join him. His singing skills were lacking, but that didn’t stop him from trying. The 60’s and 70’s were his favorite! He was always the jokester, and loved pulling pranks.He lived every moment to the fullest and his holidays were no exception. He always had “great” ideas such as building a fence to look like a castle, or making a fabulous hot tub from a trough. (All of which he did!) He was well known for being uplifting to those around him. If he saw someone down, he made it his mission to bring a smile to their face. His door was always open, and his home was home for all.
His stroke did not diminish his social side. He maintained a full calendar with cribbage and poker games (nickel ante), vacations to the Stovall’s home in Boyd, keeping up on all the newest movies, and watching football (especially the Redskins). Everything he did, he did in abundance, including his famous meals. There was always something cooking at his house, and it was always offered to anyone who came to visit.. After much thought, he decided to move to Broadus with his uncle David Hoppe, whom he thought of as a brother. Byron was a dreamer, he collected wizards, dragons, and some pretty amazing swords. He spent many hours painting little figurines of armies for his castle. He promised his grandson, “When I die, I will have a castle.” May his last dream have been walking on his own, into the kingdom of our Lord.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Smiths West Funeral Chapel, 304 34th St. West, Billings, MT with a funeral service to follow at 4:00 p.m. Private family interment will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
june opp says
Harold and all the Hoppe family, So sorry to hear of Bryon’s passing but do know he is no longer suffering from pain. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God bless and comfort you all during these difficult days and the days ahead .
Ruben and June Opp
Charlee Kuhbacher says
Sincerest sympathy to your families…thinking of you Theresa and Roger…I didn’t know him, but he sounds like quite the character…cherish the memories!!
Ashley Mazur says
I’m so sry 4 ur guys lost
Brandon, Amber & Madison Byrd says
We are so sorry for the loss of Byron. Just reading about him, I know we would have enjoyed each other’s company. The love shown by his children, and grand children is a testament to how great of a man he must have been. That greatness and love lives on if each of you, and we feel it radiating from little Madison daily. While it saddens me that I never got to know Byron personally, I am honored to know, and have such a loving connection with his family. While you all celebrate his life, rejoice in his freedom from physical restrictions, and his joyous new new home in Heaven, where he is surely smiling down on you all.
Ann (Hoppe) Cughan says
Byron was for sure a jokester. I remrmber the first time I met the Hoppe clan. I loved them all
I love his deer jerky. My grandson cared for Bryon and reslly enjoyed all the stories Byron told him. He was loved by many and will be missed. R.I.P.Byron. Love youm
Jacquelyn Simonson says
My heart goes out to everyone in the family. May God bring you comfort as you grieve the loss of your brother, father, grandfather and friend.