Danny J. Hopper

Danny J. Hopper

Danny J. Hopper, 93, of Junction City, former owner and operator of Hopper Welding Shop in Junction City, died August 17, 2015 at Geary Community Hospital. Danny was born November 3, 1921 in Lawrence, the son of Jess and Edna G. (Robinson) Hopper. He moved with his family to Junction City in 1927, and attended schools and graduated from Junction City High School in 1938.
Danny enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942, and served in the South Pacific with the 117th Engineer Battalion,37th Div. After his discharge from the U.S. Army in 1945, Danny moved back to Junction City and started his welding business, a trade he had learned in the Army.
Danny was a member of St. Xavier Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and Earl C. Gormley, Post #45 of the American Legion.
Danny married Jennie Antonio on Feb. 15, 1947 in Junction City. Jennie died March 30, 2006. Survivors include: 2 sons, Jess Hopper and his wife Lisa, White City, and Alan Hopper and his wife Denise, Houston, Texas; a daughter, Theresa Clemence and her husband Bob, WaKeeney; a brother, Jerry Hopper, Topeka; 2 sisters, Rosalee Igler, Arizona, and Julie Jordan, Topeka; 7 grandchildren; and 6 great grandchildren. Danny was preceded in death by 3 sisters, Maxine Miles, Joanne Cox, and Joyce Hartwick; and a grandson, Jeremy Hopper in 2008.
Cremation has taken place.
Memorial Mass will be celebrated 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 22, 2015 at St. Xavier Catholic Church, with Fr. Gale Hammerschmidt presiding. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, where military honors will be provided by the U.S. Army Honor Guard from Ft. Riley. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Xavier Catholic Church, or the Geary County Historical Society, sent in care of Penwell-Gabel Johnson Funeral Chapel, 203 N. Washington, Junction City, KS 66441.