Thomas Henry Hoppa    

May 23, 1930 -  May 23, 2026                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Thomas Henry Hoppa, of Grafton, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 5:23 pm, 96 years to the day after he came into this world on May 23, 1930. In all those years, he always expressed gratitude for his family and never lost his love of learning.

Tom was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the late Henry S. and Martha M. (Burczyk) Hoppa. He grew up on the east side of Milwaukee and graduated from East Division (Riverside) High School. On July 7, 1956, he was united in marriage to Carol E. Voss at St. Gerard’s in Milwaukee. They raised their family in Brown Deer and were active members of St. Catherine of Alexandria with all their children attending the parish school. Tom and Carol were also very proud to have all their children graduate from Dominican High School.

Tom spent most of his career as an autobody technician, starting out at Schwartzburg Chevrolet in Milwaukee where he stayed for many years. After retiring, he worked another thirteen years at Falls Dental Lab as a delivery driver for his son-in-law. Despite long hours over many years, Tom still found time to support his children and grandchildren in their activities and sports. He was a great father and truly an engineer at heart, especially in the fun he created for his children by building go-karts, water saucers, sled runs, and ice skating ponds. Most recently, Tom enjoyed the friends he met with his wife Carol and the activities they shared at Providence Place in Grafton, especially gardening.

He is survived by his nine children: Marihelen Hoppa- (Brian) Willbrandt, Kathleen Hoppa (Mike) Grady, Barbara Hoppa, Margaret/Peg (Mike) Haischer, Julie Miller (Nic Armstrong), Andrew (Mary) Hoppa,Thomas (Jessica) Hoppa, Elizabeth/Missy (Scott) Zahn, and Patricia (Chris Moore) Hoppa. Tom is also survived by twenty grandchildren: Olivia/Lulu Willbrandt, Gabrielle Willbrandt, Liam Grady, Fiona Grady, Aine Grady, Elliott Swanson, Celeste Swanson, Michael (Maria) Haischer, Ali (TJ) Roeker, Michelle Miller, Theo (Erica) Miller, Brayden Hoppa, Jack Hoppa, Emma (Tyler) Kowalewski, Greta Zahn, Owen Zahn, Ava Zahn, Dante Hoppa (Summer Hill), Devin Moore, and Kalea Moore. He is further survived by seven great-grandchildren: Jerome Haischer, Clara Haischer, Cameron Miller, Raegan Miller, Remington Kowalewski, Hudson Kowalewski, and Avyana Hoppa. Tom is also survived by five nephews, a niece and their children. He was preceded in death by his wife Carol, daughter Susan Carol, his parents and in-laws, his brother Donald Hoppa, and his sister- and brother-in-law Charlotte and Ken Voss.

Mass of Christian Burial 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at St Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church, 8661 N. 76th Place in Milwaukee, WI. Fr. Mike Barrett officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday at the Church from noon until the time of Mass, and at a reception to be held following the cemetery Committal Service. Internment St. Francis Borgia Cemetery in Mequon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. Catherine of Alexandria Church, Catholic Relief Services, Mercy Ships, or Doctors Without Borders.

The Eernisse Funeral Home-Michael Associate is assisting the family. Online condolences can be forwarded to the family at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.