William Joseph Hopman

March 2, 1935 – June 30, 2026

William Joseph "Bill" Hopman, 91, passed away on June 30, 2026. A loving husband, caring father, and faithful servant of the Catholic Church, Bill lived a life of quiet dedication — to his family, his faith, his community, and his beloved Labrador retrievers.

Born March 2, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, Bill was the youngest of six siblings. He answered his country's call and served in the United States Army, stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. After his service, he returned to the Chicago area and began a distinguished career as a journeyman meat cutter with Jewel Foods. Over the course of his 36-year career, Bill assumed ever-increasing responsibilities within the organization, serving as district manager and leading several key corporate initiatives before retiring at age 55.

Retirement, however, was never really in Bill's nature. He embarked on a beloved second career raising Labrador retrievers — a passion that brought him and countless others great joy. He served faithfully on the parish council at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Monee, Illinois, and generously shared his computer skills with neighbors navigating the transition to the digital age. Whether in the workplace, the parish, or the neighborhood, Bill was someone people could count on.

On June 2, 1956, Bill married the love of his life, Joanne Theresia Campa, beginning a partnership of 70 years built on love, faith, and family. Together, Bill and Joanne also opened their home and hearts as foster parents to two girls, extending their family's love beyond their own four sons.

Bill was a competitive spirit throughout his life. In his younger years he played basketball, and later took up tennis, racquetball, and golf. As he got older, he enjoyed biking the trails near his home. Whatever the pursuit, Bill brought the same determination and drive that defined everything he did.

Family was always at the center of Bill’s world, and he loved nothing more than packing up the car and hitting the open road. His very first road trip was his honeymoon — a cross-country adventure from Chicago to Portland with his new bride, Joanne. From there, Bill traveled by troop ship and train to his duty station in Fairbanks, Alaska, while Joanne flew — her first and only time in an airplane. When his tour of duty ended, Bill loaded Joanne and infant son Michael into the car and drove the legendary Alcan Highway all the way back to Chicago. As his family grew, Bill took them on memorable camping trips to Disneyland, the Grand Canyon, the Florida Keys, and Disney World — adventures that left lasting memories for all who made the journey with him.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne; and his sons and their families:

Michael (Judith) — Brittany Piszynski (Michael) (Juliet, Evelyn, Jack, Henry), Lauren Fell (Jeffrey) (Amelia, Colton), and Brian (Kelsey) (Hendrik, Aria). Peter (Janet) — Jonathan (Sarah) (Bennett, Briggs), Justin (Casey) (Everett, Claire), Andrew (Ivona) (William), and Emily Elliott (David) (Anne). Richard (Catherine) — Kelcie. Donald (Jennifer) — Madeline (fiancé Rithy Dim), Isabella, and Jack.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas Hopman and Agnes Hendriks, and his siblings Virginia, Earl, Robert, James, and Patricia Kelly.

Memorial Visitation will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026 from 8:30 am until time of prayers at 9:30 am at the Orland Funeral Home, 9900 W. 143rd St. Orland Park, IL 60462 going to Our Lady of the Woods Catholic Church, 10731 W. 131st Street, Orland Park, IL 60462 for Memorial Mass at 10:00 am. A memorial luncheon to follow.

Family and friends will gather Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 9:30 AM at

Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood, IL 60421 for military honors and Inurnment. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the BrightFocus Foundation at BrightFocus.org