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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. https://stevensonfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/byron-lavern-hoppe-of-broadus/
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