Gretchen M. Hopper

Gretchen M. Hopper was born June 1, 1941, in Omaha Neb., and passed away at her home in Sandpoint, Idaho, on April 12, 2009. 

Gretchen began a career in the music business as a secretary to Jann Wenner, who was just starting a publication called “Rolling Stones Magazine” in San Francisco.

In that seat she gathered relationships, many that spanned years, with musicians including B.B. King, John and Yoko Lennon, Sonny Rollins, Country Joe McDonald and Bob Dylan to name a few. She left Rolling Stones magazine to join a major record label, Fantasy Records, as their publicist and in 1977 was picked up by “Guitar Player Magazine” where she spent the next eight years as public relations director.

If you were lucky enough to be her friend, then you likely have been entertained by Gretchen's intimate stories of her past life in the music world. Gretchen's great gift was to make whomever she was with, feel like her best friend, which they were at that moment.

Even after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1986 she maintained a positive attitude, strong will and determination. Being in her presence she had a way of making you feel special and loved.

And if you are family or among her many friends, you know that Gretchen always spoke the truth, give you the shirt off her back anytime you needed it, be the first to join or start a good party, had that best laugh and used it often, was incurably positive, never had a mean word about anyone, loved and lived life to the fullest every single day and truly embraced her next adventure.

She is preceded in death by her father, Herbert Fischer; her mother, Wilhelmina Fischer; and her brothers, William, Robert, and Bruce Fischer.

Gretchen is survived by her husband, Glen; her daughter, Julia (Pia) Fishel; grandson, Arthur (Arti) Fishel; and nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to sign Gretchen's online guestbook at www.coffeltfuneral.com

Final arrangements are entrusted to the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.