Jan Peter Hoppe

November 3, 1934 - February 21, 2024

Having lived a full and fulfilling life, at age 89 Jan Hoppe entered the Kingdom of Heaven on February 21st. He will forever be fondly remembered for the joy he brought to his family and the many who cherished his most genuine friendship. There are countless others whose lives have been positively impacted or influenced by ways in which Jan’s involvements were intended by him to go unnoticed.

Jan, a native Atlantan and a member of the” Buckhead Boys,” supported a myriad of charitable causes throughout his lifetime. One of the major beneficiaries of Jan’s and his wife Kathy’s charitable giving was Mt. Bethel Church.

Inspired by his father’s reputation for establishing a grocery market in Atlanta that catered to customers discerning preferences, Jan pursued a career in the food services business. He was repeatedly recognized for excellence in growing brand recognition and increasing market share for the products he represented.

Interspersed between raising his family and excelling within his career, Jan devoted considerable time and his talents to ministry. He traveled to several states and countries around the globe to respond to needs involving housing, health, hunger, and education.

In addition, he volunteered as “handyman” in Mt. Bethel’s “Handy Helpers” program where he responded to calls from parishioners and others within the community who needed assistance with minor home repairs. His carpentry skills and other talents were not only relied upon in the construction of many Habitat for Humanity homes, but also called upon to assist victims of natural disasters in Georgia and neighboring states.

Jan and Kathy enjoyed travelling and during their 66-year marriage visited all 50 states and countries on nearly every continent. As with Kathy, Jan’s travels provided awe and joy at the wonders of God’s creations.

A model train enthusiast, Jan, each December, assembled a large and elaborate train garden in the back yard to the delight of hundreds of parents and children who marveled at the number of trains of varying sizes traversing mountain passes, crossing bridges spanning rivers, entering and exiting tunnels, and winding their way through villages and cities.

Jan was preceded in death by his loving wife Kathy (on December 27th) and by his daughter, Carol Bolen, and son-in-law, Larry Bolen. He is survived by his daughter, Karen, and son-in-law, Roy Bowen; his daughter, Laura; and two grandsons, Jonathan and James Bolen.

Friends and family are invited to gather on Friday, March 8th at 11:00 a.m. at the Mt. Bethel Church for a memorial service that will celebrate the life and legacy of Jan Hoppe.

The Hoppe family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the Mt. Bethel staff and a large circle of friends for their prayerful support and many kindnesses throughout Jan’s and Kathy’s time of illness.