Joseph "Joe" P. Hoppes

Joseph “Little Joe” Hoppes was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a longstanding member of the “Buck Barn”, but above all he was a fisherman. Joe lived by the phrase, “I’d rather be fishing.” His prize possessions included his flat-bottom fishing boat, his fishing poles, and his Abu Garcia Reels. However, he was most proud of his grandchildren and his title as “Papa”. He made sure to teach his grandchildren how to shoot and cast to carry on his fishing and hunting legacy. 

When Joe was not working hard building houses/pole barns or at the casino with his beloved wife, visitors could find him sitting on the porch rocking in his chair while puffing on his cigar. He loved to regale visitors and friends with his stories of life and adventures he may have shared with them, or with a quick sales pitch of a new treasure he recently acquired, which was often followed by his contagious laugh.  He was a man of great integrity and deep convictions who was fiercely loyal to the people he loved the most. 

Joe is already dearly missed and will forever be loved and remembered. His jovial and childlike spirit lives on through his children and grandchildren who will continue his legacy and continue to share stories of his life with others. The community of Portland, and the world, became a little less fun without Joe’s humor and laughter.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Sharon Hoppes, as well as infant brother, James.

He is survived by his wife, Marian; sons: Jeremy Hoppes, Grant (Nicole) Hoppes, Jim (Cameron) Hoppes; daughter: Catie Hoppes; grandchildren: Bryce and Payton Hoppes, Brooklyn Hoppes and Philomena (Minnie) Mauren. Joe also held a special place in his heart for the two foster grandchildren that Jim and Cameron have had for the past year.

Also surviving are his siblings: Toni (Chuck) Miller, Craig Hoppes, Bonnie (Bob) Rockey, Michelle (Dave) Nurenburg, Kirk (Michele) Hoppes, Vic Hoppes, Becky (Scott) Hodge, and Kris (Dan) Platte, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Mike Alber at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 11, 2022 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Portland. Rite of Committal will be in Portland Cemetery. Immediately following the committal, everyone is invited to a luncheon at the Rockey Residence, 5224 Goodwin Road, Lyons, MI. The family will receive friends on Friday from 1-4 p.m. at the Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge Street, Portland. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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