William Hopper

William Earl Hopper, “Hop,” age 79, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 20, 2023, after a long illness. He was born September 4, 1944, in Paducah, Kentucky. He enlisted in the Army at the age of 18. During his military career, he became a Green Beret. After his military service, he began working at Chrysler and was an active member of the United Auto Workers. He moved to Detroit, Michigan and eventually settled in Machesney Park, Illinois. He then married the love of his life, Mary Ella Crane, on March 5, 1982. He devoted his life to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He spent time tinkering and puttering. He was able to fix anything that was brought to him and taught his son this same skill.
He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Ella, brothers, Gordon, Bill, and Lloyd, and sister Lois. He is survived by his sister, Martha McCluskey of Roscoe, Illinois, his daughter, Kim Crane of Greenville, Missouri, son, Christopher (Charlotte), grandchildren, Heather (Ryan) Connor, Joshua Lundstrom (fiancée Michelle Bryant), Damien, Dylan (Kenzie), Tristen, and Trinity all of Rockford, Illinois. Great-Grandchildren Aaron Bryant, Rowan Bryant, Zachary Connor, Tyler Connor, and Nicholas Hopper. Celebration of Life and Burial will be in Center Ridge Cemetery in Greenville, Missouri. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. www.statelinecremations.com