John “Jack” Hopper

Where there’s a will, there’s a way.  Born October 20th, 1924 Jack Hopper (97) passed away February 6th, 2022.  Born and raised in Fond du Lac during the depression, he learned at an early age you can accomplish great things if you have the will to do it. He lived life at its fullest believing if something was worth doing it’s worth doing well.  Jack was a social butterfly comfortable talking to anyone and everyone.  At a young age he and his neighborhood gang made a video titled “Where there’s a will, there’s a way” and is how he lived his life.  He worked hard all his life starting with 3 paper routes delivering and selling hundreds of papers across Fond du Lac.  Later he sold Cutco in West Bend to support his young family.  After returning to Fond du Lac he managed The Sport Shop before opening his own business, Hoppers Ski & Sport Center, where he not only kept his growing family in athletic gear but also supported the community and area schools for years.  He was inducted into the Fond du Lac Softball Hall of Fame in 2001 for his involvement over 35 years and sponsorship of 62 teams at the local, state and regional level.  Many of his customers saw him as a true friend.  

He served with the US Marines while being stationed in Okinawa and Saipan during World War II.  After returning from the war, he put himself through college attending Marquette University, Marian College and UW-Fond du Lac earning a business degree. He was active in the Boy Scouts serving at many levels including Scout Executive for the South-Central district for 5 years.  He met the love of his life, Eva McCaffery, at a scouting event. They celebrated 70 years of marriage in 2021.

His greatest passion was skiing. He skied the slopes with a style and grace easily spotted as he moved in rhythm with the mountain.  He was recognized for his years of service to the National Ski Patrol receiving honors at the national level. 

Jack’s big heart was known to all. He gave us all a gift we know we can never repay. Although his eyes grew tired, and his heart faded his blood runs through us today as a joyous song in our souls. May we live our lifes “Where there’s a will, there’s a way” as we attempt to imitate the man as a living legacy.  Jack is survived by his 6 children, all his favorites: Jeff (Janet) Hopper, Mark (Kim) Hopper, Sue (Jamie) Lapcewich, Linda (Bob) Flood, Joel (Kathy) Hopper, Kevin (Lorena) Hopper, 22 Grandchildren and 24 Great-grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, and wife, Eva (July 31st, 2021).

Visitation will be at Grace Evangelical Free Church, 163 E 18th St, Fond du Lac, WI 54935

Date: Monday, February 14th

Time:  Visitation starting at 9:00 AM followed by a service at 11:00

A live stream of the service will be available at gracechurchfdl.org

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the YMCA.

Twohig Funeral Home is serving the family with online guestbook and condolences at www.twohigfunerals.com.

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of John “Jack” Hopper, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.