Mark Virgil Hopp, age 69 of Dunbar died December 28, 2021 at CHI St. Mary’s Hospital in Nebraska City.  He was born on May 28, 1952, to Donald and Glenis Maria (Holtgrewe) Hopp.  He was named for Virgil Holtgrewe, his uncle and sponsor at baptism.  He was born at St.  Mary’s Hospital in Nebraska City and died at the new St. Mary’s Hospital in Nebraska City. Mark was baptized on July 13, 1952, at Zion Evangelical Reformed Church by Elmer C. Jaberg. He was confirmed April 3, 1966, at Zion United Church of Christ by Robert J. Peters. His confirmation verse was Ephesians 4:1-6.  His first word was “Amen”.  Mark attended Talmage Public Schools in Talmage, which merged to become Nemaha Valley Public Schools where he graduated with the Class of 1970.  His sons also graduated from Nemaha Valley Public Schools.  At Nemaha Valley, Mark joined the band and played the clarinet in his junior year under the direction of Paul Ramp, his first band director.  Mark attended the University of Nebraska – Lincoln from August 1970 to May 1976 and received a Bachelor of Music in Education Degree on May 8, 1976.  He taught school at North Loup-Scotia for one year before returning to the University of Nebraska – Lincoln as a Graduate Teaching Assistant with the Cornhusker Marching Band.  As a member and Graduate Assistant for the marching band he attended numerous bowl games, including his first Orange Bowl which was interrupted by an insulin reaction and hospital visit.  This may be why all Cornhusker Marching Band members completed medical information after this!  Mark went with the Marching Band to Europe in 1974.  He completed a Master of Music Degree on August 14, 1981, from the University.  He taught at Johnson-Brock Public Schools, Columbus Scotus, Scribner Public Schools, Stella Southeast Consolidated, and Hyannis Public Schools; all in Nebraska and USD 498 Waterville and Blue Rapids, Kansas.  Mark left teaching full-time in 1991 to join his parents, Donald and Glenis, in their farming operation. He retired from farming in 2005 following quadruple bypass surgery on October 31.  Mark was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Nebraska City.  At church he was a member and past director of the adult choir, played organ and piano and was ordained as a Ruling Elder on February 5, 2017.  He taught the high school Sunday school class from 2011 to 2014. Mark continued his love of music as a member of the Lincoln Community Concert Band until his health did not allow him to play clarinet to his satisfaction.  He still attended many of their concerts once he retired from playing.  Mark was a member of the Nebraska City Apple Corps Barbershop Chorus.  Mark served in many roles for the chorus and was assistant director.  He was presented the Barbershopper of the Year in 2006.  Mark married Julie Giles on October 26, 1979.  During the service at First United Presbyterian Church in Falls City, Mark sang The Wedding Prayer to Julie.  The service was officiated by the father of the bride, Rev. Robert Giles, and Rev. George Hodges.  Mark was preceded in death by his father, Donald Hopp and his in-laws, Rev. Robert, and Jeanne Giles.  Survivors include wife, Julie Giles Hopp, of the home; sons Chris and David (Ally) Hopp, Omaha; grandchildren Moira and Nolan Hopp, Omaha; mother Glenis Hopp, Talmage; brother Gerald (Kathy) Hopp Lincoln, and sisters and brothers-in-law Jennifer (Richard) James, Verdon, and Janine (Russ) McClintock, Roca, nephews, nieces, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and a host of cousins.

 

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Monday, January 3, 2022 at the First Presbyterian Church in Nebraska City.

 

Visitations will be 1:00 to 8:00 P.M. Sunday, January 2, 2022 at Marshall Funeral Chapel in Nebraska City with the family greeting friends from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M.

 

Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church.

 

Online condolences may be expressed at www.marshallfuneral.com. 

 

Marshall Funeral Chapel of Nebraska City is in charge of arrangements.