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Mick’s Story

Site created on February 17, 2020

Hello everyone!

This is my dad, Mick Hopfensperger. He was diagnosed early last year with stage 3B non-small cell carcinoma in his left lung. He was treated successfully, at least somewhat for cancer in his left lung. Unfortunately, he was recently diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer that spread to his left adrenal gland and other areas of his body. He was given up to six months to live, and we hope to make this last longer with some chemotherapy treatments. A couple of weeks back he picked up the flu and was admitted to a local hospital for a week-long stay. He was found to have sepsis, pneumonia, and MSSA while on his stay and came very close to death. Thankfully he's doing somewhat better and will soon be moved to an assisted home for a month for further treatments and rehabilitation. Due to all this, his chemotherapy has been delayed.

My dad's finances were a bit of a mess, and funeral planning is underway with the help of his friend and caretaker, Jo Starkey, my wife Amy, myself, and various friends and family are working hard to catch up and give him the very best. We all hope to live long and healthy lives, and sometimes we forget to plan ahead for our eventual end, and this is the situation we are currently working to rectify. My father would like to be buried near his parents at St. John's Cemetary. I'd love to give him the best we can for his final send-off in the nicest way possible.

I've put this site together to keep everyone informed and allow them to easily keep track of what is happening in Mick's life.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Michael Hopfensperger — Apr 8, 2020

At sometime around 4 am this morning my dad passed peacefully in his sleep. We had some time to spend with him last night, and a chance to say goodbye. Kevin stopped in to help up get Mick up and situated so that he was more comfortable, and we are so thankful for that. Before I left I made sure to say one last "Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep" prayer with him, and kiss and hug him goodbye. In my heart of hearts, I believe his spirit is with Aunt Jean and Grandma and Grandpa.

He will be missed by friends and family alike. Funeral arrangements are up in the air at this point with the COVID-19 situation. Details will follow.

Read More of the journal titled "April 8, 2020 - One last goodbye"

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