I worked with Mike when he was a rep for our products at IFP way back in 1992. He was kind enough to invite me to go on the Ragbrai with him and his friends on Team Skunk. I stayed at his house, meet his family and friends. Just got back into the fluid power business and went to look up and old friend and was so saddened. Such a classy guy. Will not forget him.
Jeff Clancy
October 17, 2024
I worked with Mike from 2009-2011, and always enjoyed his positive outlook on every situation. He truly cared about the people he worked with, and always greeted me with a smile when we met. He will be missed!
Andy Sturtz
April 19, 2013
Bev,
So many memories come back, so sorry they're on this account. I was honored to play at your wedding and it was always fun to run into you both before moving back to Cedar Rapids. It goes without saying the RAGBRAI years cemented a great deal of friendships and stories and as I read the other notes I also agree that Mike always had a smile for everyone and could make any situation fun! My deepest sympathy to you and your daughter.
Scott
scott davis
April 14, 2013
Phil,Shirley,Bev and Megan; I was so shocked to hear of Mike's passing. You have our sincere condolences and prayers. I am confident that everyone who ever knew Mike would agree that he was a rare individual...always upbeat, always caring about everyone and willing to lend a helping hand at the drop of a hat. He was always there, INSERT INTO guestbook VALUES (with a fun smile on his face)to help lend support and do whatever he could to help others. A fond memory I have is when we had "little crisis" the night before one of our annual Firefighter's Pancake/sausage breakfasts. We suddenly became aware we had no sausage and it was 10 pm the night before the breakfast! There was Mike..ready to help! Seemed like we drove all over town until Mike "brokered" a deal with Hardee's in only a way Mike could do...Sure enough we had sausage the next morning and everything worked out fine. Even though we thought it was a crisis Mike made it FUN! Please accept our thoughts and prayers in knowing that we have lost one of the good ones! Sincerely, John and Sheryl
John and Sheryl Burke
April 13, 2013
All of us at Cemen Tech, Inc. are shocked and saddened at the news of Mike's passing. I worked with him in developing our relationship with IFP. Mike was always a pleasure to work with as he was always very professional and knowledgeable. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Larry G. Lepper
April 12, 2013
I also grew up in Robins and went to Kennedy with Mike. I never saw Mike with out a huge smile on his face and kind words to be said. Your family is in my thoughts during this time of sadness.
Andi Michalicek
April 11, 2013
So sorry to hear of Mike's passing... I worked with Mike in his sales management role for Iowa Fluid Power, and Mike was instrumental in the significant success that team had with the products/services that my group offers. I also knew Mike socially, and much appreciated his kindness & friendship over the years... He will be missed.
Duane Tamminga
April 11, 2013
Mike was one of the guys that made riding with Team Skunk such a passionate thrill. Although I hadn't had the chance to ride with him for quite some time, I fondly remember the good times we had and especially his willingness to pitch in to make things happen. What a good man.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Hoppe family!
Tom Brumm
Ames
The "Bull" Skunk
Tom Brumm
April 11, 2013
Mike was the best friend my husband and I could have had. He always did everything he could for everyone who was lucky enough to know him. Our lives are so much better for having known him. Bev and Megan will be part of our family forever. It's so unfair that this had to happen to Mike. We will miss him forever!
Love Jimmy and Elissa Kaas
Elissa
April 10, 2013
Mike and I were neighbors in Robins until my family moved to Norway when I was going into 2nd grade. I have many fond memories going to the Hoppe house and playing with Mike. I have to say he was my first true friend when I was growing up. It is wonderful how Mike touched so many lives.My thoughts and prayers are with Mike's family.
Chris INSERT INTO guestbook VALUES (Zuber) Engelby
April 10, 2013
Beth and Megan, I am so sorry with you in your loss of Mike. All three of you have been a real joy to me over the years. Bev, with you quietly taking care of students, library books, and all the other jobs you enjoy doing at Westfield. Megan, with you always being a great student, wonderful friend to others, and having that sweet smile on your face. And for Mike, I always knew he had his protective "eagle eyes" on Westfield, and I could count on him to let me know if something was out of order. Please know, without any doubt, Bev and Megan, myself and all your friends at WF care deeply for you. Please let us know how we may assist with anything you may need now or in the future.
Ed Rogers
April 10, 2013
Bev,
I was so shocked and saddened to hear about Mike's death. You, Megan, and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please let me know if I can help you in any way.
Cynthia Anderson
April 10, 2013
Very sorry to hear of Mike's passing. We were part of the "Robins" group that all rode the bus together in our school years. My brother, Scott, was also involved in the Scouts with Mike. He was always a very happy and caring person. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Dana INSERT INTO guestbook VALUES (Unash) Pfab
April 10, 2013
Bev and Megan I am so sorry for the loss of Michael. He was a great guy. I still remember the time Marlene and I went on a picnic with Lorna, Michael, and grandma when Michael was young. We had such a good time. Michael will truly be missed.
Ann-Marie Simmons
April 10, 2013
Our hearts are saddened by the loss of our friend Mike! He was ALWAYS supportive and caring about anyone...even if he just met them. His daughter Megan was his life...he ADORED her and they were buddies! Our daughters have grown up in the same class and hallways since Kindergarten...we attended events making sure that we got there extra early to sit in the VERY front row to watch our beautiful girls. Heaven has a new angel to watch over his family & friends. Bev - if you or Megan ever need anything please let us know.
Stephanie Jo Bazal
April 10, 2013
Love you, Bev and Megan!!!! Hang in there.
~Bren
Bren
April 9, 2013
So shocked to get the news of Mike's passing. I helped train him & he took my place in Des Moines when I moved to Charlotte. I know he is in a better place now without pain or suffering.
Chuck Rietz
April 9, 2013
We want to extend our condolences for your loss. Mike was an integral part of the relationship between Versa Products Company, Inc. and Iowa Fluid Power. Over the years many of us have had the pleasure of working with him. His guidance and insight helped us create a strong business environment.
Mike will be missed by all of us at Versa.
Doug Harriman
April 9, 2013
I, too, went to Kennedy with Mike and was on the basketball team. We couldn't have asked for a better team manager! Mike was an all around great guy! He will be missed!
Marc Eckhart
April 9, 2013
Phil and Shirley, I am so sorry to learn about Mike. I was shocked when I read this. Mike was such an amazing guy. I loved my time on the Robins Police Department while he was on the council and was always welcomed at his house for a drink and conversation on the community activities. He was a good friend, and even stopped in Toledo on occasion to chat when I was moved there and he was on the road. He was a great man who truly cared about his family and his community.
Jeff Harnish
Chief of Police
Ackley, IA
Jeff Harnish
April 9, 2013
To Mike's family, I am so sorry for your loss. From the time I met Mike in high school, he has always been a positive and upbeat person who never had anything but kind words to share. I was fortunate to have seen Mike over the last couple of months, and we enjoyed a very nice talk and shared a few laughs. He will truly be missed.
Bill Skelton
April 9, 2013
I met Mike at Kennedy while in one of our many choir classes. I totally adored him. He was such a sweetheart and much like a little brother to me. As the years have passed we would run into each other from time to time and would pick right up in conversation. What a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers go to his family. Mike you will be missed.
Jean Shifflett Clark
April 9, 2013