Bruce Alan Hopp

Bruce Hopp, age 72 of Barron, formerly of Woodville, died unexpectedly Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Dove Healthcare in Eau Claire. Bruce was born on April 23, 1953, in Schleswig, Iowa, the son of Loren and Marcella (Eck) Hopp. He grew up in Schleswig and graduated from high school in 1971. If you knew Bruce, you knew his identity was rooted in truck driving. He began hauling livestock before transporting grain for local farmers. There was something about the tranquility of the open road - and of course seeing old friends and farmers along the way - that made it special. For 41 years, he sat behind the wheel of his Western Star and Peterbilt semis and took in the beauty of our area. Driving through the countryside wasn't his only connection to nature. Bruce enjoyed deer hunting in Beldenville, though he may have enjoyed the camaraderie with the guys even more than bagging a deer. That said, not many deer were able to outsmart Bruce if they found themselves in the sights of his Beretta shotgun. He was a bit of a throwback, too - loving a sunny day spent cane pole fishing for panfish. Bruce also cherished his hobby farm south of Baldwin, where he often took in misfit or outcast animals - such as a three-legged cow or any animal that didn't quite meet the standards of the processing plants. He had a soft spot for the overlooked. When home, Bruce enjoyed a bit of America's pastime watching the Minnesota Twins and remained an avid Minnesota Vikings fan through thick and thin. He also loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and eating cheeseballs with his great-granddaughter Kaysen.

Bruce will be lovingly remembered by his children, Bryce (Melanie) Hopp, Jason (Tristy) Hopp, Megan Strasburg, and Andrew Hopp; his grandchildren, Trey (Bailey), Jenika (Bo), Landen, Colton, Alissa, Kaitlyn, Travis (Beth), and Roman; great-grandchildren, Kaysen & Madelyn; siblings, Brian (Mary) Hopp, Jackie (Brian) Murphy, Jane (Jerry) Bernecker, Blaine Hopp, Julie (Wolfram) Schubert; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Jeanine Hopp.

A Celebration of Life for Bruce will be held Saturday, March 21, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 PM at O'Connell Family Funeral Home in Baldwin. Interment will be at Willow River Cemetery in Hudson. Memorials will be used to further Bruce's passions in life and may be directed to the family.

Cremation and memorial services have been entrusted to O'Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin. www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com