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Bryan Hop, known to many as Hopper or Mr. Hop, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Thursday, May 18th after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born to Jo and Bruce Hop on September 25th, 1966 in New Richmond, Wisconsin. Many of his favorite childhood memories came from summer time in Forest River, North Dakota with his cousins and playing baseball/football with his friends.
After graduating from New Richmond High School in 1985, he went on to attend the University of Minnesota and worked as a trainer for the football team. He also worked in the rehab department at Fairview Riverside, where he met the love of his life, Gwen.
Bryan and Gwen were married on August 28th, 1993. They loved to travel and go antiquing, even having a space to sell antiques in a shop in Prescott, WI. In 1995, they purchased their biggest “antique,” a beautiful old house built in 1916 on North Starr Avenue in New Richmond.
It was in this house they raised their 3 children, Jack, Russ, and Anna, who were his pride and joy. He never missed an opportunity to support his kids at school and sporting events, including soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball, baseball, football, and cross country. He frequently packed others into his minivan to make sure all could be in attendance! Bryan also enjoyed family trips, particularly snorkeling trips in the Caribbean and road trips to visit relatives in North Dakota and Montana.
Bryan worked many jobs over the years, including Human Resource Specialist after graduating from Concordia University and selling cars at Bernard’s Northtown. Though he enjoyed his time with his co-workers, he was drawn to return to school at UW-River Falls in 2004 to earn his master’s degree in education. For the past 17 years, he was a beloved teacher in New Richmond. His previous experiences and compassion for others was reflected in his unique teaching style that was beyond the basics, including pen pals with elderly in the community, adopting families in need at Christmas and teaching his students to play cribbage.
Bryan went out of his way to help others and never expected anything in return. From serving meals at holiday dinners, to helping out local families in need, to assisting young drivers with behind the wheel training, to stopping along the side of the road to assist strangers, he always wanted to help people.
He loved spending time with his family, playing cards with friends and neighbors, finding great deals at garage sales, visiting state and national parks, and trying out new disc golf courses.
He will be remembered for: always putting others first, finding the best in each person, recommendations on the latest great book he read, and endless dad jokes and puns.
Bryan is survived by his loving wife of nearly 30 years, Gwen, children Jack, Russell, and Anna, brother Brent Hop, sister Nancy (Corey) Andersen, sister-in-law Cathy (Bob) Hamblin, brother-in-law Dan Pearson, brother-in-law Randy Pearson, sister-in-law Cindy Pearson, aunts and uncles John (Arlene) Roe, Carl (Joann) Roe, Jeanette Roe, Winnie Nelson, Clarice Erickson, Steve O’Connell, nieces and nephews Alysha Hop, Andrew (Amber) Hop, Austin Hop, Nick Andersen, Abby Andersen, Jeff (Carleen) Hamblin, Donald (Michelle) Hamblin, Joel (Anna) Pearson, Kelina (Brett) Toney, Aaron (Heather) Pearson, Katlynn (Eric) Weedman, and many other cherished relatives, co-workers and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother Jo Hop, father Bruce Hop, aunts and uncles Margaret (Jack) Woods, Robert Roe, Russ (Irene) Roe, Larry (OnaVee) Sage, Bev O’Connell, and Roger Nelson.
To honor Bryan, the attire is casual for both events. Viking, Gopher and Tiger Gear is welcomed.
Visitation was Thursday, June 1, 2023 from 3-7 pm at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services 728 S Knowles Avenue New Richmond, WI and on Friday, June 2, 2023 from 4:30-6 pm at R&D Catering and Banquet Facility 1492 131st St, New Richmond, WI. A Celebration of Bryan’s Life was held on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 6 pm at the R&D Catering and Banquet Facility 1492 131st St, New Richmond, WI and streamed live through the link just below this obituary. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to: the Cancer Center of Western Wisconsin or the Five Loaves Food Shelf. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
Click here to watch the recording of Bryan’s service
18 Comments
Rest in Peace
Dear cousin
Such a terrible loss for New Richmond, I drive school bus and have heard so many life lessons taught by Mr. Hop. Sensing prayers for all who knew and loved him. When I worked in the office he was always so polite and kind to deal with. My heart can feel the sadness! REST IN PEACE BRYAN
You will be missed… never forget your constant smile and positivity. Thank you for so many wonderful memories cuz…
Mr. Hop never hesitated to help others. Both of our boys had him for a teacher and drivers ed instructor. They loved Mr. Hop and the many important lessons he kindly taught. He would let them pursue their interests but would also open new vistas to broaden their horizons. His legacy of helping all students be successful will go on. Our family is the better for knowing Bryan and how he found the good in everyone. He raised three of the best kids I have ever met along with Gwen. A beautiful soul!
Bryan Hop was a great teacher and I enjoyed the times I was in his class subbing for the paras. Always a welcoming face. Peace to you now and hugs to the family.
Such a terrible loss for this entire comminity, school district and life in general. I grew up as friends with Bryan, in the neighborhood and also had the privledge to coach in baseball when he was growing up. Bryan was exceptional at what he did, and like everybody said he cared about everybody else. He went beyond the call of duty to check on my Dad when he was homebound with his kid’s for visits and anything needed. what a sense of humor, Bryan glad we had a chance to know you. what a loss
Gwen, Jack, Russel, Anna – I cannot imagine the pain, sadness, and emptiness you must all feel losing such a kind-hearted, fun-loving, gentle soul of a husband, father and man. I am so sorry. Prayers for peace and strength to you all.
Such a shame. He was such a great teacher and a great influence. May he rest in peace.
I am so sorry for your loss of Bryan. He was one of my favorite people on earth! I feel so blessed to have known him for many years. He was an incredible mentor, father, husband and friend. My heart breaks and many tears! We love your family! Sending many hugs and prayers.
Brian was an outstanding person, teacher and educator!! He had a tremendous positive impact on everyone who knew him. What a loss this is for his family and friends, students, and our community. He will be sorely missed!
Bryan will be truly missed by So many. He was certainly one of a kind. We were so lucky to have known him. His life was short but the memories he left behind are huge, and we’re sure will be shared by all who had the privilege of knowing him, including us. “RIP Dear Friend”
I am so very sorry to hear of Bryan’s passing. I worked with with wife, Gwen, for many years and met his nice children along the way. When Bryan became a teacher I periodically saw him in schools and meetings and he was always so positive! I also saw him and his family swimming at The Centre and he always had a big smile on his face and he always said, “How are you Pam?”. I am very saddened to hear of his passing and pray for Gwen, the children and all the people who loved Bryan. Bryan’s legacy of goodness will continue on in all the lives he touched. God Bless All.
What an amazing man and amazing family. I babysat for Jack, Russ, and Anna when they were 4,3, and 1 and I remember when we would play “search for things” and each time Russ would dump out what ever he was supposed to be hiding from a bucket too excited to wait for us to find it. Bryan and I met at Bernards and he was always one of my favorite people! Always with a smile and happy attitude. Learning he went into teaching sounds so perfect for him. I imagine he made such a difference in the lives of endless students and was certainly one of the best teachers around. He and Gwen had such a beautiful marriage full of love and respect. So sorry to hear about his loss but even just reading the description it is clear that Bryan led the best life possible while here on earth, putting all those around him ahead of himself. He will be greatly missed and my sympathies to all of his family!
My condolences, he was an awesome teacher. Met him through his wife and ever since it was good memories ever since.
I am here Bryan, praying for you. wish I could have had a chance to say farewell..
Your story will be told and you will always be remembered. So long,
Rest in Peace.
I will always remember Bryan as a very important member of my life. I had the joy of being his third and his fifth grade teacher. Years passed and he came into my life again as friends and I am so grateful.was a volunteer in his classroom until Covid interrupted the expected. I am so fortunate to have the Hoppers in my life. My sympathy.
Such a beautiul tribute to a wonderful man. Bryan was truly one of a kind. Bob was always impressed that he would take the “old people” on a trip. He planned the reunions and was the photographer at our wedding. He will be greatly missed, we all loved him. My heart and prayers go out to the family.
Gwen and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers to help you during your hard journey ahead without the man you loved.
My all your memories assist you during this difficult time.
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