Henry Hoeper

Henry J Hoeper died January 3rd 2024 at the age of 70 years young after a long battle with various health complications. He passed peacefully with his family by his side.

Henry was born March 8th 1953 in Fergus Falls, MN to Oren Hoeper and Evelyn Hoeper (Hoefer). He was one of nine children and moved frequently while growing up. His family eventually settled on a little farm outside of Fergus Falls, MN where he attended school through the 9th grade. When Henry was 17 years old, he joined the military and served as a helicopter door gunner and mechanic in the Vietnam War.

After an honorable discharge from the military Henry was living in Colorado Springs, CO where he met and fell in love with Michelle (Shelly) Trisler, the woman he would later marry and create a family with. That union didn’t work out but despite their divorce they were able to maintain a good relationship as friends.

Henry was a proud father who supported his children and grandchildren in whatever they chose to do. He accepted them fully and encouraged their individuality. This was a decision he often joked had perhaps been a bit of a mistake as he got older and his children would question some of his choices. He joked that he wanted his children to be strong but hadn’t planned on them being stronger than him. There was never any question that he loved his family; he showed it in everything he did. He took special pleasure in spending time with his grandchildren and had a unique relationship with each one.

Henry was a jack of all trades and dabbled in multiple career choices but spent most of his working life as an auto mechanic and by all accounts he was a damn good one. He most recently worked at and retired from Ray’s Oil in Dalton. Most anyone in the area knew him and liked him.

He had a quick temper and loud bark, but that was often forgotten because of his equally quick wit and sense of humor. Henry was friendly, laughed easily and always had a story at the ready. Somehow those stories usually became bigger the more times he told them.
Henry was a great friend and had many close friendships. He was generous, kind and one of his favorite things to do was to help people. He even grew multiple huge gardens just so he could supply his family and friends with his bounty. He enjoyed working in his shop, building race cars, working on his El Camino, riding his motorcycle, hunting, fishing, and just sitting around the table visiting. His favorite place was sitting on the deck at his house looking out over his property and most summer evenings that’s exactly where you could find him. It was common for Henry to have at least one friend around whenever he was home sitting there with him. Despite Henry claiming to be antisocial he enjoyed having his people around. Especially his family and his close group of friends he often referred to as “the boys”. He would have done anything for them and as evidenced when his health declined, they would do anything for him as well.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents Oren and Evelyn Hoeper, ex-wife Shelly Hoeper, three brothers Jeffrey, Richard and Michael Hoeper, two cousins that were basically his brothers Paul and Jack Hoeper, sister-in-law Dixie, a nephew Tommy and multiple close friends.

Henry is survived by his children, daughters Jenny (Mark) Hicks, Christy (Dan) Ferber, Katy Hoeper and son Ben Hoeper, grandchildren Destiny Rude, Bella Rude, Damien Hilde, McKenzie (Zac Seaburg) Stanley, Morgan Stanley, Charlie Stanley, Isaac Ferber, Liam Ferber, and Madison Johnson, great-grandchildren Kinsley and Spencer, siblings Tony (Glenna) Hoeper, Kevin (Anita) Hoeper, Dawn (Gene) Barvels, Connie (Antonio) Banuelos, Gail (Allen) Rocholl, sister-in-law Cheri Hoeper, “The Boys” and numerous other family members and friends

A celebration of life will be held January 27th, 2024 from 2-4pm at Brenny Hall, 706 Pleasant Ave, Elizabeth, MN 56533

Assistance provided by Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls.
Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com