Obituaries

Michael Hopsecker

Photo of Michael Hopsecker
Michael Hopsecker, age 61, of New Bloomfield, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at his home that he shared with his wife of 42 years, Ronda. Mike was born July 26, 1960, the son of Kenneth and Elsie (Maddox) Hopsecker. He grew up in the Dixie area of Callaway County, where he attended and graduated from New Bloomfield schools. He attended Westminster College where he met his wife Ronda, who was attending William Woods. They exchanged their wedding vows on October 20, 1979. Mike and Ronda spent 12 years living in Spearfish, South Dakota in the beautiful Black Hills, before returning to the Dixie area, to the home his grandparents built. He loved his family! He loved to tinker, cut wood and work on the garden. He instilled a love of reading and movies in his sons, mostly for sci-fi and silly comedies. He also loved mystery and trivia books and would have kicked butt on Jeopardy, but he never liked the camera being pointed at him. He loved animals and enjoyed playing with and throwing balls for his adopted mini Aussie, Toasty, and his grandpup, Watson. When he sat down he often had a cat or dog on his lap. He was one of The Moody Blues greatest fans; their cassettes and CDs were always a big part of every family road trip. He wasn't one for an outward show of feelings and emotions, but he loved his family and was always willing to give any help that was needed. Hilarious stories of his childhood were a feature of every family reunion. His sarcastic wit was legendary. He loved teasing his family, especially his mom, Elsie, who was often heard saying an exasperated, "Oh Michael!" at family gatherings. Mike worked for Scholastic Books in Jefferson City for 4 years and then nearly 15 years for the City of Fulton as a Buyer/Inventory Controller at the City Warehouse. His coworkers remarked that "he was like their Radar O’Reilly from M.A.S.H.--he could source a needed item anywhere and get it in fast." Along with his wife Ronda, Michael is also survived by his three sons: Lathan (Misty) Hopsecker of Douglas, Wyo., Ryan (Amanda) Hopsecker of Wheatland, Wyo. and Colten (Carla) Hopsecker of Columbia, Mo.; his parents Kenneth and Elsie Hopsecker of New Bloomfield, Mo.; grandchildren: Gavin and Keila Hopsecker, Wheatland, Wyo. and Abigail and Jabin Hopsecker, Douglas Wyo.; two sisters: Vicky Hopsecker, of New Bloomfield, Mo. and Kara (John) Shumate of Mokane, Mo., along with their children: Luke (Danielle) Horstman, Landon Horstman, DeLaney Horstman, Cassidy (Reagan) Dornan, Ben Shumate and Kylie Shumate. He is also survived by numerous other nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Mike made it known that he didn’t wish to have a funeral service when he died, so no memorial service will be held. His family will hold a private celebration of life for him.

Published April 30, 2022