Frank O "Ote" Hoppenrath Obituary (1931 - 2018)

Frank Otis "Ote" Hoppenrath, age 87, a long-time resident of Elwood, passed away on Monday, July 16, 2018 at Magnolia Springs Health Facility in Carmel following a long fulfilling life. He was born on February 25, 1931, in Elwood, to the late Wesley Merle and Frances (Butler) Hoppenrath. On November 30, 1956 he married June (Ripperger) Hoppenrath and they shared more than 61 years of life together. Ote served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and later graduated from Ball State University. He retired from the Fisher Body division of General Motors in 1985. He was a member of St Joseph Catholic Church. He had many interests and hobbies over the years. He and June had their private pilot's license and owned 2 planes. He enjoyed motorcycles, motor homes, genealogy, photography, constructing custom golf clubs, painting and gardening. His greatest passion, next to his family, was sports. Ote was a fabulous golfer and at one time had a 2 handicap. He loved the Indianapolis Colts, the Indiana Pacers, and was a die-hard IU Basketball fan. He will be greatly missed by his caring family. Ote is survived by his loving wife, of 61 years, June (Ripperger) Hoppenrath of Carmel, daughter, Andrea (Dr. Carl) Sartorius of Carmel, son, Tony (Tami) Hoppenrath of Elizabethtown, KY, 5 grandchildren; Dr. Andrew James "A.J." Hoppenrath, David Hoppenrath, Abigail Benjamin, Aaron & Adam Benjamin, 3 great-grandsons, Ian Hoppenrath, Aiden Hoppenrath, Anthony J. Hoppenrath, and several nieces and nephews. Ote was preceded in death by his father, Wesley Merle Hoppenrath, mother, Frances T. Hoppenrath, brother, Bill Hoppenrath, and 2 sisters, Joyce Wampler and Janis Colcord. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 2:00 pm Friday, July 20, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1306 South A Street Elwood, IN 46036 with Father Dan Duff officiating. Private family burial will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery at a later date. Dunnichay Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church Building Fund through the funeral home. Online condolences can be given at www.dunnichayfuneralhome.com