Age 77
Steven Merle Hoppert born September 5, 1949 to Mildred and Merle Hoppert of Wahpeton, North Dakota, passed away peacefully surrounded by those who loved him on October 15, 2026.
Steve was a loving husband to his wife, Becky; loving father to his daughter, Bree, and husband, Jim; and a proud grandfather, to Samantha Maria, her fiancé, Tommy; and his grandson, Ryan.
Steve graduated from Wahpeton ND High School in 1968. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1967 to 1970 and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Following his military service, he attended the University of Platteville Wisconsin and Morehead State, graduating in 1974.
Steve began his career as an alcohol addiction counselor with Southeast Mental Health in Fargo, North Dakota, where he worked until 1975.
Steve married his wife Becky in 1975.
Beginning a marriage filled with love, family, travel, and adventure in 1977. Steve joined the Burnsville Police Department working patrol and investigation, but his greatest professional passion was serving as a canine officer. His canine partners, Cassidy and Micky, had a special place in his heart. His knowledge and dedication, to canine work eventually led him to serve as a judge for the USPCA, where he judged both regionally and national dog trials. Steve was soft spoken and deeply respected by his fellow officers and he took great pride in serving the Burnsville community. He was honored to receive the distinguished officer of the year award and recognition of outstanding service and dedication.
After retiring from the Burnsville Police Department, Steve continued sharing his knowledge and experience by teaching firearms at Metropolitan State University.
Steve’s adventurous spirit continued to lead him to new experiences in 2015. He trained as a K9 bomb handler and went on to work at the US Embassy in Iraq. His willingness to serve, learn and take new challenges reflected the courage and adventurous spirit that defined so much of his life.
Away from work, Steve treasured his time with Becky and his family. Summers were spent enjoying family cabins on Lake Superior, Lake Okoboji, Lake Mina and Yellowstone. He especially enjoyed hunting with family and creating memories together. He loved traveling to visit family in Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota and Iowa.
Steve and his family also enjoyed extensive travels including Scuba diving and adventures around the world. He especially enjoyed spending winters in Mexico, creating many wonderful memories along the way.
His nieces and nephews knew him by a special name “Gus” their good uncle Steve. He was not simply an uncle, but someone who was loving, dependable and always special to them. The memories they shared include hunting, and times spent together as a family remain in their hearts.
But perhaps the greatest love story of Steve’s life was the one he shared with his wife, Steve called his “everything” and he made sure she always knew how deeply he loved her. He gave her everything a wife could want not simply the things he provided but the love, devotion and companionship of life, they shared together. Their marriage was filled with memories, adventures, family, and a love that will remain with her forever.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 am Tuesday, October 27th, 2026 at Mary Mother of the Church, 3333 Cliff Road E., Burnsville, MN 55337. Visitation 10:00 -11:00 am prior to the service at church. Family invites attendees to gather for a luncheon following Mass at church. Private interment to be held at a later date at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.