William (Bill) J. Hoppes of Kennewick, Washington passed away at age 83 on Monday, August 17, 2009 in Kennewick of natural causes. He was born June 29, 1926 in Sunburst, Montana to Charles Hoppes and Mary (Fauque) Hoppes. He was raised in the Kevin-Sunburst oilfields of Montana and attended the Oilmont Schools where he passionately participated in sports, music, math and science. He graduated from St. Mary's Catholic High School in Great Falls, Montana in 1944. In his senior year he met his high school sweetheart and future wife Rosemary (Babe) Walsh. He volunteered for service in the Army during World War II. Bill was assigned to the 6th Armored Division, 9th Armed Infantry Battalion Company, 4th Platoon and shipped off to the front lines in Europe. His platoon's engagement with the enemy resulted in Bill receiving the Bronze Star and Purple Heart Medals. His service in Europe finished with the 1st Infantry Division, who had guard duty for the Nuremberg War Crime Trials. Bill drove jeep and gathered materials throughout Europe for an attorney prosecuting Nazi War Criminals. Upon returning from Europe, he married Rosemary (Babe) on September 17, 1946 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Great Falls, Montana. The GI Bill afforded him the opportunity to attend the College of Great Falls where earned a Bachelor of Science Degree. Upon graduation, he joined his father in the farming and water drilling businesses. After many lean years farming, he decided to return to his true passion, education. He began as a 6th grade teacher. He went onto earn a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Montana and moved into school administration as an elementary principal in 1964. This began a quarter century of service as a Principal, Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent of Schools in Montana (Sunburst, Inverness, Fort Benton) and Washington (Wapato, Central Valley of Spokane). His focus was on innovative curriculum programs and most importantly "what was best for kids". He was named Montana Library Association School Administrator of the Year and served in leadership positions in the Washington Association of School Administrators organization. He retired in 1988. His passion to work with kids continued when he joined the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle as a school administrator and consultant until 2005. In 2005, Bill and Babe moved to Kennewick, Washington to be closer to their family. He became a recognizable figure at dance competitions, the Nutcracker Ballet, Irish Dance Feis and Tri Cities Prep sporting events. He was an avid Seattle Seahawks and Mariners fan and stayed active through Volkswalks. Bill was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus (KOC) and dedicated member of the Lion's Club. As a member of the (KOC), he was honored for his service and inducted as a member of the Blackfoot Indian Tribe. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Rosemary (Babe) Hoppes of Kennewick, WA. Four Sons: Steve (Judi) Hoppes of LaCenter, WA; Charlie (Terri) Hoppes of Richland, WA; Loren (Joan) Hoppes of Portland, OR and Craig (Jolene) Hoppes of Astoria, OR. One Daughter: Janet (Ralph) Steinback of Astoria, OR. He leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. There will be a viewing on Friday, August 21 from 5 to 8 pm with a rosary at 7 pm at Mueller's Chapel of the Falls, 314 W. 1st Avenue, Kennewick, Washington. The funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 520 S. Garfield, Kennewick, Washington on Saturday, August 22nd at 10am. The family requests donations to be made to the Wapato School District – Elementary Libraries, P.O. Box 38, Wapato, WA 98951. Bill Hoppes was fervently dedicated to his family and to children's education.