Mercedes Elizabeth Hopen

Mercedes Struckhoff Hopen, 98, died on October 26, 2023, in St. Anne’s Home and Retirement Community, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Born in Augusta, Missouri, on November 27, 1924, the oldest of eight children, Mercedes went to work after finishing eighth grade at Immaculate Conception Grade School. Growing up in this idyllic farm community was the beginning of a life of close family ties filled with laughter and opportunities to serve others.

Mercedes and her future husband, Leonard, were schoolmates. She shared an apartment in St. Louis with Leonard’s sister, Olivia, while working in a shoe factory. During this time Mercedes and Leonard began their lifelong dedication and love for each other. After serving during WWII in the Army Air Corps, Leonard returned to St. Louis in 1945 to enter Washington University. Mercedes continued to work while he completed college. The couple was married in Immaculate Conception Church in Augusta, Missouri on June 29, 1948. Then Leonard accepted a position in Marion, Indiana at the RCA plant.

Mercedes continued her life of service by raising six children. As an “at home mom”, her life’s work was to lovingly care for and nurture them physically, mentally and spiritually. When it was their turn to have their own children, Mercedes assisted the parents by caring for every grandchild as infants often traveling long distances to help. She was a welcomed guest at many family weddings, baptisms, First Communions, birthday celebrations and graduations. Involvement in church and school activities as well as just being a good friend and neighbor was part of her life wherever she lived.

After her mother’s passing, Mercedes became the beloved matriarch of the Struckhoff family. Amazingly, she knew all the names of her numerous nieces, nephews, their children and spouses on both sides of the family. She was continually curious about their lives.

Her service to others in humble and unassuming ways was evidenced in every step of her life. Over the years, Mercedes, brought food and supplies to the migrant camps outside of Marion, reliably delivered hot meals through Meals on Wheels in Lancaster, PA and served on committees to provide food at funeral dinners in the churches she attended just to name a few.

Mercedes had an adventurous spirit in her love for travel and experiencing interesting destinations. She embraced her husband’s transfer to Paris, France and Rome, Italy as she moved four children to new homes and new countries with new cultures and customs. Journaling her travels helped her to relive those enjoyable adventures.

Reading was her favorite pastime. As a voracious reader, she was self-educated. In her 50’s, without fanfare, she easily earned her GED. Always a supportive mother and grandmother, pursuit of education was important to her.

Her servant’s heart was so evident as she lovingly and respectfully cared for Leonard when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

After Leonard’s passing, Mercedes moved to the St. Anne’s Community where she continued her loving ways through her selflessness and kindness to both residents and staff.

Mercedes is survived by five children, Linda (John) Earnest, North Myrtle Beach, SC, Dr. Bruce (Dr. Diane), Indianapolis, IN, Jeanne (J.B.) DeCamilla, Charleston, SC, Robert (Janice), Summit, NJ, and Laura (Bob) McGoogan, Cary, NC, thirteen grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, two sisters, Mary Feldman, O’Fallon, MO, Helen Reiling, St. Charles, MO and one brother, Aloys, Augusta, MO.; sisters-in-law, Viola Struckhoff, Augusta, MO, Rita Struckhoff, Sunset Hills, MO, and Doris Hopen, Augusta, MO.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Leonard, her daughter, Elaine, her parents, Edmund and Frances Struckhoff, brothers, Paul, Richard, and John and one sister, Ruth Heman.

Mass of Christian Burial is 12:00 PM Saturday, November 11, 2023, at St. Anne’s Chapel, 1900 Randallia Drive, Fort Wayne, IN, calling beginning at 11:30 am prior, with Father Jack Overmyer officiating.

Graveside Service is 2:30 pm in Grant Memorial Park Cemetery, 1606 W. 26th Street, Marion, IN with Father Ted Rothrock presiding.

A celebration of her life will take place from 3:30-5:30 at the Hostess House, 723 W. 4th Street, Marion, IN.

St. Anne’s Home and Retirement Community, 1900 Randallia Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 48205 will accept memorials as well as Promedica (Heartland) Hospice, 2720 DuPont Commerce Court, Suite 210, Fort Wayne, IN 46825.

Arrangements by D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home 1320 E. Dupont Road Fort Wayne, IN.

To sign the online guestbook visit www.mccombsons.com