On Tuesday, September 1, 2026, Darlene J. Hoppe (née Hennemann), of St. Louis, Missouri, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior at the age of 87. She was the daughter of Rudolph and Florence Hennemann.
Darlene was first united in marriage to Robert F. Minor, Sr. Together they were blessed with a large and loving family of eight children. She later married Charles W. “Charlie” Hoppe, with whom she shared 29 years of marriage.
She devoted her life first to her family as a mother and later served as an ophthalmological assistant. Darlene was a longtime member of Faith Lutheran Church in Oakville, where her faith in Jesus Christ was the quiet center of her life.
Darlene knew and loved Jesus from a very young age. It was her life’s mission to introduce her children and everyone she met to Jesus. If she knew you had a struggle in life, she ensured you got a copy of Jesus Calling. Those who knew her remember a playful sense of humor, a ready ear, and a willingness to help however she could. She loved music of every kind and never missed a chance to go dancing.
She lived a life of service as a scout den mother, a children’s leader in Bible Study Fellowship, and a member of numerous service and support ministries at Faith Lutheran, as well as a church receptionist.
Darlene is survived by her husband, Charlie Hoppe; her children, Sandy (John) Lang, Robert (Krysta) Minor, Sherry (Bill) Southworth, David (Michelle) Minor, Jeffrey (Erika) Minor, Ralph (Vinita) Minor, Steve (Sandy) Minor, Rachelle (Blake) Tucker; Charlie’s children, Lori (Phillip) Peters, and Brad (Peggy) Hoppe; her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends who were blessed by her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Rudolph and Florence Hennemann, and by her first husband, Robert F. Minor, Sr. and her grandson Christopher Michael Gillick.
Visitation will be held at Kutis Funeral Home, South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63129, on Monday, September 6, 2026, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m, then to Faith Lutheran Church, (6101 Telegraph Road, St. Louis, MO 63129), on Tuesday, September 7, 2026, for visitation from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11AM. Interment to follow at Park Lawn Cemetery and concluding with a luncheon at Faith Lutheran.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church or to the Alzheimer’s Association.
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” — John 11:25