Hoppe Family History

DEDICATION

This history of the Friedrich and Sophie Hoppe Family in Nebraska could be dedicated to the memory of many people. First, there is the pioneer family, who left family and friends and braved the unknown to begin a new life in a frontier land. Second, there are our parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters who have died before us and are particularly missed when we reminisce about family times. For me, this book is especially dedicated to the memory of one person who was the inspiration for this compilation: Olive E. Hoppe (Aunt Dolly).

As a young boy, I remember one reunion when she organized a "parade" of kids toting pinwheels and noisemakers. I always looked forward to the reunions and seeing her again. During her life, thirty-four reunions were held and she attended all but four. Her interest in the family was evident by the records of attendance and pictures she meticulously kept for each reunion.

It was only after her death that the extent of her interest and devotion to preserving our family history became known to me. Her many notebooks, scrapbooks, clippings and pictures were the inspiration for me to begin compiling and updating the work she had done.

Even as I contacted people to get information, nearly every conversation brought up the name "Olive." It seems that she had maintained contact with someone in each branch of the family. The information on the data sheets sent out to each family was based on data from Olive's notebooks. So, it is in memory of Aunt Dolly that I would like to dedicate this book. Following her example, do your part in preserving our Hoppe family history.

Index