Erline Ida Hoeppner, 101, Stark City, passed away peacefully on Aug. 6, 2026.
She was born on June 19, 1925, to Hugo E. and Ida (Engelbrecht) Rieke in Beemont.
She spent most of her life in Gerald, later making her home in Stark City.
Erline was united in marriage to the love of her life, Gilbert Hoeppner on Nov. 30, 1944. Together they shared a devoted marriage and operated a dairy farm for most of their lives, building a legacy of hard work, dedication and love of family.
She was a woman of many talents and interests. Erline was an avid reader who found great joy in quilting and creating beautiful handmade treasures for those she loved.
She was a faithful member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Gerald before relocating to Stark City, where she attended Newtonia Baptist Church in Newtonia.
Erline was also active in the Merry Makers FCE and the Newtonia Battlefield Day Quilters, enjoying the friendships and fellowship these organizations brought into her life.
She was preceded in death by beloved husband, Gilbert; parents, Hugo and Ida; and brother, Elmer Rieke.
Erline is lovingly remembered and survived by children, Richard Hoeppner and wife Pamela of Columbia and Ruth Hunke and husband Delmar of Stark City; grandchildren, Debra Skaggs and husband Randall of St. Charles, Jared Hunke and wife Tracy of Stark City, Mike Hoeppner and wife Susie of Whitesboro, Texas and Matthew Hoeppner and wife Kassie of Owens Cross Roads, Ala.; great-grandchildren, Mitchell, William, Catherine, Cortney and Tony; great-great-grandchildren, Bentley and Sophie; niece, Mary Spreckelmeyer; and many extended family members and dear friends.
She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, strong work ethic and the love she poured into her family, her quilting and her community. Her life was a testament to kindness, perseverance and quiet devotion. Erline leaves behind countless cherished memories that will continue to bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.
The family will receive friends beginning at 5 p.m., on Friday, Aug.14, followed by a Celebration of Life at 6 p.m., at the Newtonia Baptist Church. Following the service, a meal and fellowship will be held at the church.
Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 5, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Gerald.
Erline will be laid to rest beside her husband at St. Paul’s Cemetery.
Memorial contributions suggested to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Gerald.
Arrangements entrusted to Clark Funeral Home in Neosho.
