Harold Hopp

Harold Theodore Hopp age 95 of Rogers Township passed away peacefully at home on November 19, 2021.

He was born June 7, 1926 in Rogers City to Arthur and Emma (Mertz) Hopp.

As a teenager, Harold worked as a general farm hand for Elmer Hardies of Hawks. In October 1944 during his high school years, he was drafted into WWII military service. Following basic training he became a member of a rifle squad in the 17th Airborne Division, 194th Glider Infantry unit in combat in the European Theatre of Operations in Germany where he went on combat and reconnaissance patrols, was a scout for the squad, and fired and maintained the M-1 rifle. After ten days on the front near the Rhine River he was wounded on April 2, 1945 for which he received the Purple Heart. He received his discharge in October 1945 and returned to finish his schooling graduating from Rogers City High School in 1946. After graduation he worked for Hardies Electric for a short time before his employment with the Calcite Limestone Operations beginning January 1947. He retired in 1983 after thirty-seven years of service working in the yard, track, and carpenter departments but mainly as a storehouse department clerk. On June 19, 1948 he married Martha Schlak at St. John Lutheran Church in Royston. He and Martha joined a band called “The New Crew” and soon after formed their own band called “The Happy Wanderers”. In October 2001 they were inducted into the Michigan State Polka Hall of Fame in Owosso, Michigan. Harold was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church and a life member of the Rogers City VFW Post 607. He enjoyed playing baseball, softball, and spitzer, as well as bowling, dancing, playing and listening to polka music, and gardening. He also served as an officer of various organizations.

He is survived by four children, Diane (Thomas) Smuda, Eugene (Vita), Beverly (Dean) Knox and Kenneth (Nancy); grandchildren, Sarah (David) Liverseed, Aaron Smuda, Jesse Smuda, Mary (Ryan) Ballard, Daniel (Ashley) Hopp, Melissa Hopp; Emma Knox, Adam Knox and Kristy Hopp; great grandchildren, Aleah, Zachary, Ruth, Miles and Sage; three siblings, Marvin (Ellen) Hopp, Darlene (Roy) Sommerfeld and Linda (Wayne) Schalk.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Martha; and two sisters, Betty Sorgenfrei and Phyllis Hopp and a brother, Delmar (Ada) Hopp.

Friends may visit at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 6134 US 23 North, Rogers City, on Wednesday, November 24^th from 11 a.m. through the time of his funeral at 1 p.m. with Pastor Jeffery J. Luplow officiating.

While attending visitation and the funeral please wear a mask and adhere to social distancing requirements.

Rogers City VFW Post 607 will render full military honors at Memorial Park Cemetery immediately following church services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rogers City Area Senior Center, Hospice of Michigan or a charity of your choice.