John Peter Hoepfner
John Peter Hoepfner, 83, of Appleton, WI passed away on Wednesday, January 1st, 2025 just making it into the new year. In his final moments, he had the chance to be near what he loved including family and his beloved backyard through the window.
He was born on July 12th, 1941, in Fond du Lac, WI, the second child of the late Julius and Philomine Hoepfner in Fond du Lac, WI.
He served in the United States Navy from 1961-1966. During his service he had many opportunities to broaden his schema in several European countries, since the naval ship he was stationed on was situated in the Mediterranean Sea. When not traveling during his naval duty, he worked in the postal office on the ship. After his discharge from the navy, he returned to Wisconsin.
He married Laura Litturno on June 8,1974. He graduated from the Fox Valley Technical College on June 9, 1974.
He got his first job working for the NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) in Lumpkin, Georgia. He returned to Wisconsin, and worked in the NRCS in Waukesha, WI. In 1978 he and his wife had their first daughter, Stacey, and their second daughter, Shelley, arrived in 1981 in Waukesha, WI.
In 1983, John moved with his wife Laura to Appleton Wi where he helped raise their daughters. He put down roots in Appleton through his conservation work, and through his various hobbies (photography, singing, nature walks, and whittling). His most proud moment was finishing his agriculture degree much later in life. It was a goal that he pursued over his life.
He was a member of St. Bernadette Parish, Appleton, WI.
John was a dedicated husband to Laura and dad to his two daughters. He is survived by his wife, Laura, his two daughters, Stacey Hoepfner(Marco), and Shelley Hoepfner-Weier (Brad); and brother, Steve (Sue) Hoepfner and sister-in-law, Sandra Hoepfner He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, William, and his sister, Jacqueline Vollmer.
He enjoyed many moments walking in nature areas with his daughters. He was often found in the community conversing and sharing stories with others. He will be missed by his family, and close friends.