Joan M. Hopp

Homestead - Joan Marian Hopp, 90, of Homestead Iowa, passed away peacefully to be with the lord on Wednesday June 24, 2026, at Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Amana, surrounded by the love of her family.

Joan Marian (Hanke) Hopp was born March 2, 1936, in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, the beloved daughter and only child of Vernon and Freda (Saak) Hanke. She graduated from Waukon High School in 1954.

After high school, Joan moved to Cedar Rapids, where she worked at St. Luke's Hospital as a record keeper. In her spare time, Joan loved attending dances with her girlfriends. It was during one of those evenings at a Kent Feed dance, that her life changed forever, as it was there, she met the love of her life. 

Joan was united in marriage to Melvin Roy Hopp on March 4, 1956, in Waukon, Iowa. She was blessed to share 56 years with the love of her life before Melvin's passing on September 6, 2012. Together, they built a rich and meaningful life on the farm. She and Melvin regularly attended dances at the Swisher Ballroom and Polka Day's in Omaha, Nebraska, where they loved listening to their favorite musician, Kenny Hoffer. They shared a deep love of polka music and dancing, a joy that brought them countless happy memories together.

Joan was a member of St, John's Lutheran Church. She was a devoted homemaker, dedicated in raising their 5 children, instilling in them the value of hard day's work, and tending to the many chores with life on the farm. She enjoyed gardening, canning, and spending time with her family and grandchildren.

When their youngest child started school, she began working off the farm at Colonial Manor as a CNA, caring for others with the same kindness and love she showed her own family. She retired in 2006 after 30 years of dedicated service.

Those that knew her loved her for her quick wit and her honest, no-nonsense truths. She spoke her mind with clarity, and we will dearly miss that sassy spitfire spirit and her heartfelt kindness.

She is survived by her children Gary (Carol) Hopp of West Amana, Terry (Steve) Hegewald of Keota, Kim (Chuck) Brockmann of Long Grove, Gregg Hopp of Victor and Derek Hopp of Williamsburg; grandchildren Nathan (Lindsay) Hopp, Crystal Hopp, Brittany (TJ) Vaughn, Matthew (Becky) Petz, Avery Hopp; six great grandchildren; and a sister-in-law Alma Hopp of Marshalltown. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers-in-law Gilbert and Willard Hopp and sister-in-law Ann Hopp.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 11:00 am at St. John’s Lutheran Church, rural Homestead. Burial will follow in the St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday, from 9:00 until service time at the church. Memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church or Essence of Life Hospice. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.