Funeral Services: Friday, January 25th at 2:00 PM at St. Peter Lutheran Church, rural Byron, Nebraska
Interment:St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery, rural Byron
Visitation: Thursday, January 24th Noon - 7 PM with family greeting friends from 5-7 PM
Memorials to: St. Peter Lutheran Church, Byron or Parkview Haven Nursing Home, Deshler
Vernon F. Hoops, the son of Henry C. Hoops and Anna (Meyer) Hoops was born December 7, 1924 on a farm northwest of
Byron
,
Nebraska
. He departed this life on January 20, 2013 at Parkview Haven,
Deshler
,
Nebraska
, at the age of 88. He was baptized December 21, 1924 at
St. Peters
Lutheran
Church
, rural Byron, by Rev. C.W. Seybold and was confirmed at the same church on April 23, 1939 by Pastor L. Hoefer. His confirmation verse was Psalm 27:1. On August 30, 1944
Vernon
joined the U.S. Army during WWII. He was wounded on March 27, 1945 at
Lantem
,
Germany
and received the Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged on July 13, 1946. After his discharge, he returned to the family farm to begin his lifelong career of farming and raising livestock. On August 7, 1949 he was united in marriage to Norma Graue at
St. John
Lutheran
Church
,
Chester
,
Nebraska
with Rev. E. Hilst officiating. This union was blessed with the birth of four children, Patricia, Steven, Michael, and Joni.
Vernon
and Norma lived on a farm in
Republic County
,
Kansas
for the first eleven years, then moved to the family farm in rural
Byron
,
Nebraska
and continued farming. In 1997 they retired and moved to Byron.
Vernon
continued helping on the farm until his health began to fail.
Vernon
was a charter member of the Byron Lions Club, where he served as president, treasurer, and was active on several other committees. He also served as secretary-treasurerat district level, was a member of the American Legion-Fintel Golden Post 205 since 1946, where he served as Commander and adjutant, and served two terms on Thayer County ASCS Committee. He was a lifetime member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, served on the Council, was a Sunday School teacher, and was on various other committees. He was a 4-H leader and served on boards for the
Beatrice
Martin
Luther
Home
, Superior Good Samaritan Home, Thayer County Feeders, and Thayer County Weed Control.
Vernon
enjoyed bowling, square dancing, traveling, and attending the grandchildren's games and activities. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the highlight of his life. Due to ill health,
Vernon
entered Parkview Haven Nursing Home on June 3, 2010 where he resided until his death. He loved the visits from family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; son Steven Hoops; brother Martin Hoops; sisters Esther Loontjer and Lola Kirchhoff; brothers-in-law Henry Loontjer, Martin Kirchhoff, and Harlan Graue; sisters-in-law Margery Hoops, Jackie Hoops, and Arlene Hoops. He is survived by his wife, Norma, of 63 years; children Patricia of Independence, MO, Michael (Yvonne) Hoops of Byron, NE, Joni (Steven) Woodside of Columbus, NE, daughter-in-law Karen Hoops of Omaha, NE; grandchildren Brent (Sarah) Hoops, Cpt. Jill (Cpt. Zac) Seidel, Joshua (Melissa) Hoops, Sarah (Tony) Jackson, Kate Hincapie, Cpt. Darren Woodside, Chelsey (Brandon) Jacobitz, 2LT Dustin Woodside, and Christina Woodside; four great-grandchildren; brother Dr. Merlin (Elizabeth) Hoops; sisters-in-law Lucille (Harold) Gerberding, Donna Harms, and Mary (Bruce) Black; nieces, nephews, and many friends.
