Jeffrey Allen Hoeppner, 62, of Goshen, passed away peacefully in the familiar surroundings of his own home, with his family at his side, following a relatively brief illness on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 1:28 p.m.

Jeff was born in Elkhart on December 19, 1963, to the late Bruce L. and Carolyn M. (Schuelke) Hoeppner. Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his parent in-laws, Peggy Ann and Henry Smith and sibling-in-laws Tony and Barbara (Smith) Gorce and Kathy Smith.

In May of 1992, Jeff married the love of his life, Lori Ann (Smith) in Elkhart. More than 30 years later, the two renewed their vows in January of 2024, celebrating the enduring love, friendship, and partnership they had shared throughout their lives together. Lori survives at their home in Goshen.

Along with Lori, Jeff is survived by his daughter, Nichole Ann “Nikki” Hoeppner of Elkhart; brothers, Scott (Kathy) Hoeppner of Eatonton, Georgia, and Tim (Robin) Hoeppner of Elkhart; sisters, Jennifer Hoeppner of Goshen and Susan (Jeff) Yarbrough of Eatonton; brothers-in-law, Mike and Robert Smith, both of Elkhart; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, good friends, golfing and poker buddies, and others who were fortunate enough to know him. He is also survived by his faithful beagle companion, Emma Jo, and three damn cats.

Jeff was a 1982 graduate of Elkhart Central High School and spent many years building a successful career as a supervisor with Parker-Hannifin Corporation in Elkhart. He was a man who believed in showing up, doing his job well, and looking out for the people around him.

That same sense of service carried into his community. Jeff devoted many years to the Osolo Township Fire Department, beginning as a volunteer firefighter before becoming a career firefighter. He took great pride in serving others and was part of a brotherhood that meant a great deal to him.

Jeff and Lori also shared an entrepreneurial spirit and many good memories while managing the “Green Jacket,” the “19th hole” restaurant at Four Lakes Country Club in Edwardsburg. It was a fitting place for Jeff—surrounded by friends, conversation, golf, food, and probably more than a few opinions about how the previous round should have gone.

A true sports enthusiast, Jeff was an avid golfer and poker player who enjoyed the camaraderie as much as the competition. He loved spending weekends with his closest friends, sharing good conversation, telling stories, and undoubtedly giving as good as he got at the poker table. He was also an unwavering super-fan of both the Cubbies and da Bears, proving that loyalty sometimes means sticking with a team through some truly questionable decisions.

But for all the things Jeff enjoyed, the greatest pleasures in his life were often the simplest: being at home, spending time with the people he loved, watching television, and having Emma Jo nearby. The two were constant companions, and Emma seemed to understand that her job was not merely to be the family dog, but to provide moral support, entertainment, and occasional supervision.

Jeff especially loved watching Jeopardy!—although there may have been some assistance involved. Emma Jo had a remarkable ability to know exactly when Jeff needed a little help with an answer. Whether she was actually giving him the answers or simply looking sufficiently confident to make him think he knew them will never be determined. Either way, Jeff seemed to enjoy the game.

“I’ll take ‘smart dogs’ for $500, Alex!”

Jeff will be remembered for his loyalty, his work ethic, his sense of humor, his love of sports, and, most of all, his devotion to his family and friends. He was the kind of person who valued the people beside him and the everyday moments that made life worthwhile. His presence brought laughter, friendship, and a genuine sense of belonging to the lives of many.

In accordance with Jeff and Lori’s wishes, a simple cremation will take place, with a celebration of Jeff’s life to be held at the Simonton Lake Sportsman’s Club, 51036 CR 11, Elkhart, 46514, on Saturday, October 17, 2026, beginning at 3:00 pm. Food and snacks will be served. Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart have been assisting the family with arrangements.

Please join Jeff’s family in remembering a loving and loyal husband, devoted dad, brother, uncle, firefighter, golfer, poker partner, sports fan, storyteller, and all-around good friend. And while Jeff will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him, there is little doubt that Emma Jo will be keeping watch, waiting for someone to turn on Jeopardy!—and perhaps quietly supplying the answers.