Arnold Theodore Hoppenworth (“Hop”), 93, of Auburn, Washington, died peacefully in his sleep on June 2, 2018. Hop was born March 3, 1925.
Arnold was preceded in death by the love of his life, Marie, in 2009. They were married for 59 years. He is survived by his older sister, Martha Bentley (97) of Webster City, Iowa and his 2 children; Kenny Hoppenworth of Ocean Park, WA and Susan M. Taylor of Auburn, WA. Additionally, he has 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. His “grands” and “greats” were his pride and joy. He always looked forward to their visits that often included chess games, watching a Seahawks game, telling jokes, eating ice cream and lots of hugs.
Arnold grew up on a farm in Douglas Township, Bremer County, Iowa. He was the youngest of 19 in a blended family. This was the first place he learned about hard work and sacrifice-being a true “Farm Boy!” He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1943 and served aboard the USS SAVO Island (CVE-78) in the Pacific during WWII and served during the Korean War. He retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer (E8) in 1964 aboard the USS Yorktown in Long Beach, CA. He then returned to Washington State to finish raising his family. He worked at Safeco Insurance Company as their Print Shop Manager until he retired in 1993.
In retirement he found joy in traveling the world with Marie. He also enjoyed golfing, volunteering his time, visiting family, playing pinochle and cribbage, watching football with a house full of friends, and going to the casino. On his 92nd birthday he requested a Karaoke machine and our family spent many hours singing old time country with him. Dad was known to always be whistling or singing and always brought a positive light into any room he entered.
He was a kind and loving man who will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.
Military Honors will be held Friday, July 13th At 12:30 pm. At Tahoma National Cemetery – 18600 SE 240th Street, Kent, WA 98042. Please arrive 15 min early for procession instructions to site.
Celebration to follow at Farrellis’ party place 15007 Main St Sumner, WA.
