Benjamin "Ben" "Heffy" Robert Hoepfner

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our sweet son Benjamin Robert Hoepfner, beloved brother and Uncle “B” due to complications resulting from a motorcycle accident occurring on July 3, 2023.

Ben was born September 19, 1979 at St. Agnes Hospital, in Fond du Lac, WI to Robert R. and Denise J. (Dion) Hoepfner. He was a graduate of Goodrich High School Class of 1998 and would later receive his degree in CNC Machining at Moraine Park Technical College.

Ben was a rambunctious young child. At 9 months old he started running and never stopped. He even got credit for being the reason the fencing was built around the top of the Lakeside Park Lighthouse. He had an unending love for animals, whether it was carrying Gracie and Greta (his Chihuahua’s) when they were supposed to be walking, feeding the wild deer in the backyard out of his hand or trying to catch the seagulls at Disneyworld. He was an avid fisherman and would spend countless hours at Lakeside Park.

As Ben grew up, he would take interest in power toys (motorcycles, ATV’s, snowmobiles, and dirt bikes). With this love, Ben would find out how accident prone he really was. He may have the unofficial record for most broken collar bones (5). Ben’s passion for music began at an early age. He could always name the song and the band playing on the radio. This passion would turn into a love for punk rock music. He attended hundreds of concerts with his sister Annie and friends. In fact, he covered his walls with the memorabilia he collected from his favorite bands.

Heffy, as he was known to most of his friends, was a gentle giant with an infectious smile who had the biggest heart in the world. Whenever you needed a friend, Heffy was there. If you needed help moving a piece of furniture, installing an entertainment system, or having your lawn mowed he was there. If you were feeling down, he would drop what he was doing and come to be by your side. He used his witty sense of humor to try and cheer you up. He would have a smile on his face as he waited for you to get the joke.

Years later Uncle “B” would find his best friend, niece, Godchild, his Goober, Genevieve. He could not go to the store without coming home with a present for her. He helped her put together her dollhouses, did science experiments, walked hand in hand down the sidewalk, and played Nintendo; they were inseparable. Ben and Genevieve shared their love of fireworks and cheese pizza. He always had a special place in his heart for her.

Ben is survived by his parents, Robert and Denise Hoepfner; sister, Ann Hilbert and her husband, Ryan and their children, Genevieve Kurtz (Bens Godchild), Sophia, and Rosalie Hilbert. He was blessed with a large extended family of aunts and uncles, Randy and Nancy Redlin, Mary DeSeve, Karen Jo “Cha Cha” Dobyns, Joe and Debby Dion, Therese Jackan (Ben’s Godmother), Ray and Mary Jo Merwin, Patty Hoepfner, Charlie and Sharon Hoepfner, John and Louise Elsasser, Dan “Huey” and Wendy Hoepfner, Ken and Peggy Malson, Paul and Jeanne Schneider, Jeff and Amy Wilcox, Tony (Ben’s Godfather) and Sharon Hoepfner, Tom and Ann Hoepfner, Jay and Lynn Dux, Jim “JB” and Emily Hoepfner; and Ben’s other special Godchild, Joshua Dux.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Raymond and Genevieve Hoepfner, Gary and Mary Louise Dion; several uncles, Greg Dion, John Dobyns, King DeSeve, Robert Jackan; and a dear cousin, Mark Jackan and not to forget his special “fur babies” Gracie and Gretta who recently passed.

The visitation will be held at Uecker Witt Funeral Home, 524 N. Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI on Thursday, August 24, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 PM and continue on Friday August 25, 2023 from 9:30-11:00 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church, 271 Fourth Street Way, Fond du Lac, WI. Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family at 11:00 AM on Friday. Private interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established in Ben’s name.

To Ben “Heffy”: Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, You are loved beyond words, and missed beyond measure.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com