Walter Carl Hoppe, 82, died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, June 28, 2008.
Walter loved his family and friends very much. He was born in Havre on Oct. 12, 1925. In 1949, he met and married his beautiful bride, Roycie Clair Dance. They moved to Spokane Valley where they lived most of their lives. Sadly, Roycie died in 1991. Walter was also preceded in death by his brothers, William “Bill” Hoppe and Robert “Bob” Hoppe and his only sister, Helen Murphy of Pearland, Texas. Walter is survived by brother, Frank Hoppe of Havre; his only daughter, Sherry married to Stephen Gonnella of Liberty Lake, Wash.; three grandchildren, Nicholas Gonnella, Gina Webb and Leah Gonnella; two great-granddaughters, that he adored, Madelyn and Ava Gonnella; and numerous nephews and nieces. Walter, also known as “Bogie” was a charter member of the Inland Empire Dahlia Society since 1962. He was the editor of the DahliaFax newsletter for nearly 40 years. He was recognized with numerous awards. He was also instrumental in organizing the current Dahlia Societies in Idaho and Montana. He was well known for his judging abilities and acted as a senior judge for many years. In 1980, while serving as president he organized the National Dahlia Show in Spokane, Wash. Walter worked for the Spokane County Road Department for over 25 years, retiring in 1990. Walter loved to travel in his retirement years and made several trips with his buddies from Sandpoint, Idaho, to many destinations overseas. Walter’s last hours cannot go without mention. The night before he died he sat happily watching his newly married granddaughter Gina and her husband Tom dance across a starlit dance floor so much in love. God’s parting gift to Bogie was to be surrounded by the love of family and friends on a night of celebration of love. We are certain now that Walter is dancing once again with his bride Roycie under the stars of heaven. Bogie will be greatly missed. A memorial service was held Tuesday, July 1, 2008, at Templin’s Resort in Post Falls, Idaho.
