Obit: Hoppa, David Arnold (1940 - 2016)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Hoppa, Schade, Mayer, Janzen, Clouse, Sladich, Liebzeit, Hebert, Zimmerman, Cortez, Joseph

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 11/02/2016

Hoppa, David Arnold (27 August 1940 – 27 October 2016)

David Hoppa, 76, of Neillsville died Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

David Arnold Hoppa was born Aug. 27, 1940, in Marshfield, the son of Arnold and Esther (Schade) Hoppa. He formed the Dave Hoppa Band in 1957 and played for numerous weddings and in later years, played for their anniversaries. He was famous for singing the “Laughing Polka.” He graduated from Neillsville High School in 1958. He did custom farm work for area farmers and worked with his father at the sawmill and Hoppa’s Corner, which he later owned and operated. Eventually, he sold the bar and devoted his time to the sawmill, Dairyland Forest Products, which he sawed lumber for over 40 years.

Dave was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Neillsville.

He is survived by his two sons, Monte (Diane) Hoppa and Jon (Adrienne) Hoppa both of Neillsville; his loving companion of 35 wonderful years, Jane Mayer of Neillsville; grandchildren: Sawyer and Ella; Step-grandchildren: Kevin (Sandy) Mayer, Neillsville; Brenda (Jon Janzen) Clouse, Osseo; Troy Mayer and Stacy (Lois) Mayer, both of Fairchild; step-grandchildren: Matt (Amy) Sladich, Katie (Blake) Liebzeit, Jill (Ben Hebert) Sladich, LeAnne Mayer, Dakota, LeAnn and Abigail Clouse; Justina Zimmerman and Brooke and Kaylie Mayer. Step-great-grandchildren: Brooklyn and Lexi Sladich and Kaleb Liebzeit.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Donald in infancy.

The Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Dave will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 4, 2016, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Neillsville. Rev. Varkey V. Joseph will officiate. Music will be provided by Vicente Cortez, organist, and St. Mary’s Choir. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday Nov. 4, 2106 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

In Lieu of flowers, Dave requested contributions to St. Mary’s CCD Youth Program for overseas trips.

Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.  The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Dave’s family with funeral arrangements.