Carl C. Hopper

Carl C. Hopper of Ann Arbor, MI passed away peacefully on October 1, 2014 at Arbor Hospice. He was born on November 5, 1918 in Ann Arbor, MI to Chauncey M. Hopper and Elma V. Thompson. He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years Opal Hopper, his three children and their spouses: Douglas Hopper (Barbara) of Nashville, TN, Diana Shoop (Robert) of N. Attleboro, MA, and Nancy Chizek (Robert) of Ann Arbor, MI, as well as seven grandchildren: Chuck Hopper of Nashville, TN, Kirstin Hopper of Hendersonville, TN, Eric Hopper of Boulder, CO, Matt Shoop (Jill) of Cumberland, RI, Daniel Chizek (Meredith) of Ann Arbor, MI, Lisa Mulka (Scott) of Mason, MI, Jennifer Chizek of Ann Arbor, MI and five great grandchildren: Katie Swaringen, Jason Hopper, Sophia & Christopher Shoop, & Nathan Chizek.

Carl was a skilled engineer, working in both Michigan and Tennessee. He worked with Sarns/3M for 16 years in Ann Arbor, MI, where he successfully contributed to the engineering and design of equipment used for cardiovascular surgery and kidney dialysis. After retiring from Sarns/3M in 1983, he was self-employed as an engineering consultant for eight years. Prior to his work with Sarns/3M, he was employed by Aladdin Industries in Nashville, TN as Manager of Production Engineering in the electronics division. Before moving to Nashville, Carl was employed by Vokar Corp of Dexter, MI for 20 years. During that time he supervised the manufacture of components for the Proximity Fuse and other vital devices used during World War II. After the war, he supervised the design and manufacture of components used in auto radios and in the first Transistor Radios.

An avid fly fisherman, Carl was accomplished at fly tying, rod building, and crafting landing nets. He enjoyed the companionship of many excellent trout fisherman while fishing the streams of Michigan, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. He loved to play golf and, in later years, enjoyed playing accompanied by his wife, Opal, at Willow Creek Golf Course. Carl enjoyed traveling with Opal throughout the U.S., Canada, and Alaska in their custom outfitted van. Carl was an avid U of M fan and participated in many team sports in his younger years.

Carl was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather and will be missed by all. Upon Carl’s wishes cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held.

Donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the American Heart Association, Arbor Hospice, or a charity of the donors’ choice. For full obituary and to sign his guestbook please go to www.muehligannarbor.com