Journey complete, he is home now. Jerry Alfred Hoppes was born August 11,1928 in Burwell, Nebraska to Alfred Hoppes and Sylvia (Partridge) Hoppes. In 1931 he moved with his family to a dry-land farm near Tuthill, South Dakota. When the farm failed during the dust bowl period, the family relocated to Martin, SD.

In 1942 Jerry found himself living in Hot Springs, SD while his parents sought employment at the new Black Hills Ordnance Depot near Provo, SD. In 1943 he began his Provo High School experience, graduating in 1947. Part of that experience was meeting his future wife who had graduated in 1946. Elizabeth Culver and Jerry Hoppes were married in Sep 1947. Jerry would mention often that the only thing he ever really wanted in life was to be married to Elizabeth.

In early 1948 Jerry was enrolled in the Railroad Telegraph Operators Training Course in Minneapolis, MN. Following completion of the course work, he was hired by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad to work relief duties at various locations in western Nebraska as well as SD. He eventually was able to get a permanent position in Edgemont, SD where he remained until 1978. During his time in Edgemont, Jerry and Elizabeth raised 3 children—Robert, Ladd and Laura. It was during Jerry's time in Edgemont that he took up golf, and became an avid student, and player of the sport. In 1978 Jerry accepted a position in Scottsbluff, NE with the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad, and it was here that Laura finished High School. In 1990 Jerry retired after 42 years of employment with American railroads. In retirement Jerry and Beth enjoyed much travel throughout the United States until Beth passed unexpectedly in 1998. In 2015 Jerry relocated to Lincoln, NE to be closer to family. Jerry is survived by two sons, Robert (Mary) and Ladd (Betsy Lindholm) and one daughter Laura (David), one granddaughter (Melody) and two great grandchildren. Jerry will be remembered as a quiet gentleman with a pleasant smile, and never an unkind word. The family does not plan a public service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arbor Day Foundation in memory of Jerry.