Dale Hoeper

Dale Walter Hoeper, 79, of Madelia, died at his home on June 26, 2026. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. 

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Sturm Funeral Home in Madelia and will continue on Wednesday from 9:30 AM until 10:30AM at the funeral home. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Madelia. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Madelia. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Madelia. Online Condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com. 

Dale was born on September 16, 1946, in the Saint James Hospital, the son of Walter Conrad Hoeper and Lorena (Miller) Hoeper. Dale was baptized in Lewisville, Minnesota. Dale and Grace met in June 1966, where they began spending time with friends and cruising around New Ulm. They enjoyed fishing and dancing the nights away at the Fox Ballroom and George's Ballroom. They were married August 26, 1967, at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. 

Dale farmed until the early 1980s. In 1984, Dale began working at Crystal Valley. He worked at Crystal Valley for 37 years where he retired officially in 2021. Dale was an extremely hard worker and took pride with any job that he performed. He served in the Minnesota National Guard from 1963-1969. 

Dale was an avid card player and loved playing 500 with his friends. Many of his kids and grandkids spent many evenings with him while he was playing 500 cards. Dale also loved going for coffee at McDonald's in Saint James so that he could visit with friends. He was a lifetime fan of the New York Yankees and L.A. Lakers. Dale also loved supporting his children in their athletics. He assisted with coaching many different sports including Legion Baseball, youth wrestling, and youth basketball. He loved attending sporting events for all of his grandchildren and being their #1 fan.

Dale is survived by his wife, Grace, of 59 years in August; daughter, Danette Firchau (Jeff) of Madelia; son, Ron Hoeper of Pensacola, Florida; son, Jareth Hoeper (Rachel) of Mankato; daughter, Jenny Heckman of Madelia; son, Jesse Hoeper of Mankato; and daughter, Tessa Weis (Eric) of Oronoco. Dale was also a devoted grandfather and great-grandfather to 12 grandchildren including Jessica Firchau, Kayla Firchau-Scott (Jared), Brianna Firchau, Ryan Heckman, Derek Firchau, Justin Hoeper (special friend, Danyel), Matt Heckman (Kaelynn), Adam Heckman, Katie Hoeper, Ethan Weis, Noah Heckman, and Samantha Weis; 8 great grandchildren including Nicholas, Kaydon, Talan, Aisley, Jaxcen, Julian, Knox, and expected baby boy Heckman in September 2026. “Papa Dale” has a special passion for his grandchildren.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Lorena Hoeper; his sister, Bonnie Zinke; brother-in-law, Seibert Zinke; sister, Lucille Thorson; his mother and father-in-law, Norbert and Leona Sellner; brother and sister-in-law, Reynold and Janet Evenson; and nephew, Tom Berg.