Joseph C. Hollopeter, 83 of Bluffton, passed away on Friday afternoon, Dec. 19, 2025, at the Stillwater Hospice Home in Fort Wayne.
Joe was born on Dec. 9, 1942, in Harland, Indiana, to George Sherman and Goldie M. (Smith) Hollopeter. Joe served in the U.S. Navy. He worked for 35 years at Dana Corporation in Fort Wayne, retiring in 2000. He was a big NASCAR fan and enjoyed watching sports, especially basketball and football. He could be found working in his yard or fishing. He was a member of American Legion Post #111 in Bluffton.
On Nov. 27, 1982, Joe and Donna J. (Terhune) Hollopeter were married at Epworth United Methodist Church in Bluffton. They shared 43 years of marriage together.
Survivors include his wife, Donna Hollopeter and two sons, David J. Hollopeter and Timothy R. Hollopeter, all of Bluffton.
He is preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Sarah Hope Hollopeter and his siblings, David S. Hollopeter and Goldie Litten.
Visitation will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, at Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton, with Tony Garton officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, with full military honors by the United States Navy Honor Guard and the American Legion Post #111 Honor Guard.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lemler family of Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends may share online condolences with the family at www.thomarich.com.