James H. "Hooper" Little, age 82, of Minocqua, Wisconsin passed to eternal life Monday, October 12, 2009 at the Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff, Wisconsin.
A Memorial Celebration will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at the Lakeland Village Club House in Minocqua, Wisconsin. Private interment, on October 16th, 2009 will be at the Silver Lake Cemetery, Portage, Wisconsin.
Hooper was born September 30, 1927 in Portage, Wisconsin to Ivan and Hattie (Bade) Little. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the Navy in the Pacific Theater. He married Donna Maass on December 21, 1948 in Waukegan, IL. Hooper worked as a switchman/brakeman for the Milwaukee Railroad and later the Soo Line Railroad.
Hooper spent the best years of his life fishing and lived life his way.
Hooper was a member of the American Legion Post for 64 years and the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen and he was a life member of VFW Post #1707.
Hooper was preceded in death by parents, Ivan and Hattie; his beloved wife, Donna Maass Little (8/11/1993); and his brothers: Gordon and Russell Little.
Survivors:
Son: James T. (Debbie) Little of Lexington, South Carolina
Son: Jeffrey L. (Roxie) Little of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Grandchild: Rebecca (Joe)
Grandchild: Benjamin (Dawn)
Grandchild: Charles (Amanda)
Great-Grandchildren: 8
Sister: Jean (Don) Sutfin of Portage, Wisconsin
Sister: Shirley (Ray) Ludka of Racine, Wisconsin
Brother: Robert Little of Portage, Wisconsin
Further survived by nieces and nephews and numerous friends that shared Hoopers life.
So sorry to read about "Hooper." He was a friend of my brother-in-law, Chuck Halasz, when they were boys. He also knew my husband, Joe Halasz.
Please foreward my condolences to Jean Ann and Shirley. It seems like yesterday that we enjoyed the company of Hooper, although I left Portage at an early age, some good times can be recalled easily.
Hooper was one of those extrordinary people that come into your life , that once you met him, you never forget.. He was like a second father to me and he will be missed. He taught me alot about life and railroading. I owe him a grat deal of thanks for being a mentor
Hooper was a person that anyone that knew him will never forget him. He holds a special place in lots of peoples hearts. Will be greatly missed.
JT & JEFF . . . your dad will always create memories in my mind. I guess he was my "boss" of sorts, when he and your mom put me in charge of taking care of you two little boys! You always knew where he stood. He loved all of you dearly. He kept you "on your toes". Remember the fun times . . . remember the love he shared.