Ernest William Hoepner

Ernest William Hoepner was born on November 11, 1926 in Greenfield, Iowa to William Theodore and Alma Mensing Hoepner. He served honorably in the United States Army, concluding in the Occupation Forces in Japan. After the military he returned to Greenfield and married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Thompson on April 6, 1945. He and Marilyn were married 72 years and had four children, eight grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren. Raising their family they were faithful attendees of Redeemer Lutheran Church. They took the children camping, boating, and water skiing. After the children were grown, Ernie and Marilyn enjoyed many years traveling in their RV. Known affectionately as Ernie, Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa, he was a man of few words with a big heart. He was a loyal patriot, rarely seen without an American Flag on his collar. As a professional carpenter, he built homes, store fixtures and signs. He designed and built their home in Beaumont. He was the undisputed champion of the family washer tournaments. He could floor you with his hilarious, unexpected one-liners. He loved country music and was awesome with guitar and vocals. Once he found something he liked he would never stray - always ordering the same thing at a restaurant. It must be said, he loved his ice cream. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn. His children Ron and wife Elizabeth, Ellen, Karen and husband Vince, and David and wife Lana; and his eight grandchildren Lee and husband Chris, Cara and husband Ty, Kelly and husband Greg, Amanda and husband Daniel, Brent and wife Heidi, Carly and husband John, Kimberly and husband Corey, and Casey and fiancée Josie. He was surrounded by loving family in his last days and heaven received a solider on July 8, 2019.