Stephen Michael Hopper

Stephen M. Hopper of Neptune Beach Florida passed away peacefully August 01, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. He was born May 30, 1946 in Ames Iowa. He grew up in State Center Iowa where he attended school. Steve and his beloved wife Judy met and were married in 1974 as he was rejoining the United States Navy. They were stationed in New Port RI, Great Lakes IL, and finally relocated to Mayport Naval Station for duty in 1981.

Steve proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy for 22 years, including three tours of duty in Vietnam, and many happy years of sea and shore duty. Eventually he went on to work for LSI at Cecil Field Jacksonville FL as a project manager. He was proud of his accomplishments, and never stopped talking about all the great and difficult times while working there and his Navy career. After retirement he volunteered with BEAM (Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry) conducting financial interviews for their clients until he started treatments for cancer in 2019. He also volunteered on the Family support committee at Beaches Habitat for Humanity and was still actively able to participate.

Steve, was a proud, kind, generous gentleman who loved God, family, and his country. Along with being a ham radio operator he enjoyed pool time, camping, and back yard fun with his friends and family.

Steve is survived by his loving wife Judy, of 50 plus years; son, Chad Hopper (Heather); daughter, Jodi Hopper Wignall ,;bonus son, James Frye,; bonus daughter, Deborah Kiebert; grandchildren, Brittney Hensley (James), KayAnn Keller, Trevor, Riley Michael (Taylor), Megan Hopper, Morgan Hopper, Ashley Gutierrez (Thomas); nine great grandchildren; sister, Karen Hopper Gerke; and 17 nieces and nephews. ….. He was predeceased by his parents, Harlen and Lucille Hopper; sister, Charlene Williams; and grandson, Kenneth Keller.

A Memorial service will be held  Saturday August 16th at 1:30in the First Baptist Church of Atlantic Beach, 1050 Mayport Road, Atlantic Beach FL 32233. A visitation with family following in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Beaches Habitat for Humanity, 797 Mayport Road, Atlantic Beach FL 32233.