Arthur ( Pete ) F. Hotopp

CPO (Ret.) Arthur (Pete) Hotopp On February 4, 2014, Pete passed in the presence of his loving wife. Pete was born on December 27, 1938, in Sandwich, Illinois. After graduating from the Sandwich High School in 1956, Pete immediately joined the United States Navy. Pete rose through the ranks of the Navy retiring as a highly decorated Chief Petty Officer. Pete’s service includes tours in the Dominican Republic, Cuba, central America, the (then) French-Belgian Congo, and three tours in the Republic of Vietnam. Pete was wounded in Vietnam on his second tour and after a long period of recovery he returned to Vietnam for his third tour when he again received wounds as a result of direct combat. After retiring Pete remained in Puerto Rico where he concentrated his efforts on the second love of his life, golf. Pete was the Head Professional at the Ponce Country Club for several years when he returned to Sandwich to care for his grandmother. Pete used his knowledge and skills as a teacher at the Indian Valley Vocational School in Sandwich to mentor and instruct the young men and women of Sandwich in the building trades. After teaching, Pete then continued his golfing career winning several tournaments, qualifying for the Senior PGA Open, becoming a certified PGA head professional and was the head professional at the Edgebrook Country Club. Pete’s service to his nation was also displayed by his dedication to the City of Sandwich having served for years as a Police Commissioner and then Alderman and as past Commander of the VFW. Pete is survived by the love of his life, Mary Jane (Stoia) Hotopp, his sons Arthur Hotopp and William L. Hotopp, his step-son David Simundson and his wife Lisa, seven grandchildren, and his brother Michael Hotopp. Pete is predeceased by his parents Marion William Hotopp and Iilene Voga, his son, Arthur F. Hotopp and brother Charles Voga. The family requests in lieu of flowers memorials and donations to be made to the American Diabetes Foundation, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Valley West Community Hospital or the charity of your choice. Services will be Saturday, February 8, 2014, at the Beverage Family Funeral Home in Sandwich, Illinois with visitation to begin at 12:00 pm with a funeral service at 4:00 p.m.