E. Charles “Chuck” Hopper, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, died on December 29, 2024, at age 79.
Born on April 12, 1945, in Jacksonville, IL, Chuck was a proud graduate of Jacksonville High School and recently attended his 60th high school reunion. Growing up in a small town, his interest in animals and nature began at an early age. As a child, he once had 13 beagles and kept a squirrel named Friend Lee as a pet.
Chuck’s lifelong fascination with nature led him to join Boy Scouts as a child, eventually earning his Eagle Scout rank. He continued his involvement in Scouts as an adult, serving as the Assistant Scoutmaster for a troop in Elmhurst. When his two sons were old enough to begin their own Scouting journey, he assisted with their troop, went on campouts, and helped both of his sons follow his path to earn their own Eagle Scout ranks. Chuck enjoyed exploring state and national parks, visiting 28 national parks.
Perhaps no hobby captured Chuck’s imagination more than amateur radio, or ham. Licensed in 1959 as part of an Advanced Electronics class, Chuck continued his involvement in ham radio for the rest of his life, eventually becoming president of the York Radio Club. As a mentor, he Elmered many new hams into the radio world (to Elmer is to help a new ham, and Chuck would have loved that you just learned some ham radio lingo). Chuck made an impressive 30,000 contacts with other ham radio operators in over 250 countries including Easter Island, the Vatican, and the International Space Station.
Outside of his hobbies, Chuck earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from Western Illinois University as well as a second master’s degree in education from Concordia University. After teaching social studies at Bryan Middle School in Elmhurst, he continued his career in public education as the assistant principal and a teacher at Sandburg Middle School, also in Elmhurst.
But of all Chuck’s accomplishments, his proudest achievement was earning the title of grandfather. He enjoyed spending time outside with his four grandchildren, found the fun and humor in children’s shows and movies, and loved reading storybooks aloud.
Chuck will be remembered for his dry humor, vast curiosity and knowledge, and life lived in service to others.
Chuck is survived by his wife Bobbie, sons Mitch (Laura) and Tim (Jeannine), and his four grandchildren Dylan, Colin, Therese, and Fiona; and brother Mitch (Ruth). He was preceded in death by his parents Doris and Ed Hopper, and his cherished dogs Morgan and Moose.
Family and friends are invited to the First United Methodist Church of Lombard, 155 S. Main St., Lombard, IL on January 19, 2025, to celebrate Chuck’s life. A visitation will begin at 1:00 PM followed by a funeral at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in E. Charles Hopper’s name to either the American Radio Relay League Education and Technology Fund or the Naperville Area Humane Society.