Gary Lee Hopps

It is with profound sadness that we share the unexpected passing of our beloved, Gary Lee Hopps, 70, of Peru, IL on June 1, 2024. 

Gary was born on May 4, 1954 to Glen and Mary Hopps in Mendota, IL. Gary grew up in LaMoille, IL where he and his siblings found fun throughout their small town. He had cherished memories of his childhood and enjoyed re-telling these stories.

Gary moved to LaSalle his freshman year and attended LP High School. It is here where Gary met his high school sweetheart Christine Majors. After graduating LP in 1972, Gary and “his Chrissy” were married on December 15, 1973. Gary and Christine went on to have 4 beautiful children. They made sure they did everything they could to show their children the landscape of America and the joy in life, and they did just that. One of their most memorable journeys was a cross county trip to California, stopping at the breathtaking Grand Canyon. Every family trip, every birthday party, every family reunion, every day as a family holds priceless memories that will be cherished forever.

Gary was a successful businessman, owning and operating Gary Hopps Painting in LaSalle, IL for over 45 years. His attention to detail and exceptional customer service were key to his success and respected by all his clients. His integrity and these attributes will be carried on with the next generation of Gary Hopps Painting.

Gary loved embarking on adventures with his wife Chris, who was the love of his life, and their amazing dog Seger in their travel van. Visiting family, long time friends, oceans and beaches, there was no destination too far. He also enjoyed going to concerts and was so passionate about music he took up playing the drums. He adored his family more than anything in the world and spending time with each and every child and grandchild was a priority. Always attending all their events, whether in sports or life moments, he instilled integrity, discipline, sportsmanship and teaching them all to be the best they could be in life. Most of all he taught them love. He was the grill master of the family and everyone looked forward to his wings at family cookouts. And he loved staying in touch with his siblings and looked so forward to their special luncheons.

Gary had a distinguished high school basketball career and was named as one of the top 50 basketball players at Lasalle Peru High School. He looked forward to the monthly breakfast meetups with the “Margenthaler LP basketball breakfast club” where they reminisced about these glory days. Gary was a member of the ’71-’72 Team who, to this day, still holds the best record in LP history at 27-2. He has been recognized as one of the top 5 guards in LP’s history because of his unique ability to be great at both offense and defense. According to his teammates, “Hoppers” was always assigned the toughest match up against opponents and accepted the challenge without hesitation. Teammates said he was irreplaceable.

Gary will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him for his kind, gentle, and generous heart. He touched so many lives and made us all better humans. As everyone says, “No better guy than Gary!” Paint the heavens to beautiful perfection “My Painter” - like you did for all of us here.

Gary is survived by his loving wife and soulmate, Christine Hopps of Peru; his amazing children Heather (Brian) Moncrief of LaSalle, Jaqueline Hopps Peterlin (Jay Wheeler) of Oglesby, and Lucas (Kristin Deichmueller) Hopps of Naperville. He was a proud grandfather to Clay Vaini, Wiley Brager, Max Brager, Gage Moncrief, Mia Moncrief, Easton Moncrief, Price Peterlin, Boone Hopps, and Harlo Hopps. He is also survived by his siblings Ron (Marilyn) Hopps, Terry (Cindy) Hopps, and Karen (Douglas) Walker. His sister-in-law Pat Majors. His brother-in-law John Majors. And his nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his parents Glen and Mary Hopps, his in-laws Charles and Ann “Granny” Majors, his nephew Dr. Charles Majors, his nephew Brandon Hopps, his brother Kevin Hopps, and his son Scott Hopps.

Cremation rites have been arranged and there will be no public services held per Gary’s wishes. The Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle has been entrusted with his arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to establish the Gary Hopps Basketball Memorial Fund in memory of Gary and directed to Eureka Savings Bank at 250 Marquette St. LaSalle, IL.

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