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Catherine Margaret Hoppe (nee Egan), known affectionately as “Kate” or “the Great Kate” to her family, passed away on Oct. 7, 2026, in Billings, Montana, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Sept. 22, 1947, to Robert and Helen Egan, Kate grew up in Savage, Minnesota, surrounded by a large, loving family. In 1985, she moved with her beloved husband, Jim Hoppe, to Powell, Wyoming, where they built their life and made their forever home.
Kate was a woman who lived life to the fullest, always bringing warmth into a room with a permanent smile on her face. She loved her family and possessed a vibrant, adventurous spirit. She loved the outdoors and took great joy in horseback riding, hunting, cooking, and playing piano and organ.
Kate was defined by her determination; she conquered every challenge put in front of her with grace and grit. Her family will always fondly remember her many triumphs, whether it was competing in (and winning) her first drag race (she tied the track record set by the men), mastering water-skiing without ever getting her hair wet, winning blue ribbons at the county fair, or successfully harvesting her final bear with a bow and arrow.
Kate was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Helen Egan, and her brother, Patrick. Her legacy of love, strength and joy lives on through her surviving family. She is survived by her husband, Jim Hoppe; her children, Collene Martin, Alan Ronning (Barbara) and Sam Stevens; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her siblings, Shelley Emerson, Denise Boisvert, Maureen Johnson, Kevin Egan and Eileen Acosta (Richard), along with many nieces and nephews, extended family members and close friends who will miss her deeply.
Rosary Vigil will be held on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026 at 6 p.m. at St. Barbara's Catholic Church in Powell. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at St. Barbara's beginning at 10 a.m.
