Walter Carl Hoppe, 82

Walter Carl Hoppe, 82, died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, June 28, 2008.

Walter loved his family and friends very much.

He was born in Havre, Mont., on Oct. 12, 1925. In 1949 he met and married his beautiful bride, Roycie Clare Dance. They moved to Spokane Valley where they lived most of their lives.

Sadly Roycie died in 1991. Walter was also preceded in death by his brothers William 'Bill' Hoppe and Robert 'Bob' Hoppe, and his only sister Helen Murphy of Pearland, Texas.

Walter has a surviving brother Frank Hoppe of Harve, Mont. He is also survived by his only daughter Sherry married to Stephen Gonnella living in Liberty Lake, Wash. Walter has three grandchildren, Nicholas Gonnella, Gina Webb, and Leah Gonnella. He also has two great-granddaughters that he adored Madelyn and Ava Gonnella. He also has many nephews and nieces.

Walter, also known as 'Bogie,' was a Charter member of the Inland Empire Dahlia Society since 1962. He was the editor of the DahliaFax newsletter for nearly 40 years. He was recognized with numerous awards.

He was also instrumental in organizing the current Dahlia Societies in Idaho and Montana.

He was well known for his judging abilities and acted as a senior judge for many years. In 1980, while serving as president, he organized the National Dahlia Show in Spokane, Wash.

Walter worked for the Spokane County Road Dept for more than 25 years retiring in 1990.

Walter loved to travel in his retirement years and made several trips with his buddies from Sandpoint, Idaho, to many destinations overseas.

Walter's last hours can not go without mention. The night before he died he sat happily watching his newly-married granddaughter Gina and her husband Tom dance across a starlit dance floor so much in love. God's parting gift to Bogie was to be surrounded by the love of family and friends on a night of celebration of love. We are certain now that Walter is dancing once again with his bride, Roycie, under the stars of heaven. 'Bogie' will be greatly missed.

A memorial service is scheduled for noon on Tuesday, July 1, 2008, at Templin's Resort in Post Falls, Idaho.