Obituary for Wayne "Dusty" Hoppmann

He was born June 2, 1932, in Barre Mills, to Erwin and Marie (Thielker) Hoppmann.

After completing 8th grade, Wayne worked alongside his father on the family’s Holstein dairy farm in Barre Mills until his father's passing in 1975. He then took a position at Wehrs Chevrolet in Bangor before becoming a patrolman for the Town of Barre—a role in which he earned the nickname 'Dusty.' Even after his 'retirement' from the Township, Wayne remained active, working at Wonder Wash in both La Crosse and Onalaska.

On February 9, 1954, Wayne was united in marriage to Marilyn Stuckenschmidt at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Barre Mills. Although it was February in Wisconsin, the temperature on their wedding day was 60 degrees, certainly a memorable start of their life together! They shared 66 years of loving marriage before Marilyn’s passing in November of 2020.

Wayne was a lifelong member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Barre Mills. He was an active and devoted member of his church community, participating in the Men’s Club and serving faithfully on the cemetery board.

Wayne liked to have his projects; always tinkering with something usually recycled from a previous project. He enjoyed playing cards, fishing, gardening, feeding and enjoying the birds, and mowing that very steep lawn.

Survivors include his four children, Ann (Brian) Berg of Bangor, John Hoppmann of Woodbury, Minn., Mary (Richard) Sorenson of La Crosse, and Susan (Bradley) Gollnik of West Salem; grandsons, Justin Berg of Bangor and Joshua Berg of Fitchburg, Wis.; brother, Daniel (Kathy) Hoppmann of Elgin, Ill.; one niece; nephews; other relatives; and friends.

In addition to his wife, Marilyn, Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Marian (Hilbert) Berg; and brother, Dale (Joyce) Hoppmann.

A Christian Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Barre Mills. Rev. Andrew Schultz will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m., until the time of service, Saturday, at the church.

Should friends and family wish to honor Wayne’s memory, in lieu of flowers memorials in Wayne’s honor may be directed to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church-just as he would have wanted.

Online condolences may be offered at this site.