Brandon Lee Hopps, 28, of LaMoille, passed away unexpectedly, Monday, May 1, 2023 at his home.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Bache Chapel in Van Orin, Illinois at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Justin Bullington officiating. Burial will be at Greenfield Cemetery, LaMoille. Visitation will be held Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is assisting the family.

Brandon was born August 4, 1994 in Spring Valley to Roger and Jill (Ward) Hopps. He married Laura Rieker on September 18, 2021 at Bache Chapel in Van Orin, Illinois.

Brandon spent his high school years playing sports, being active in boy scouts, and spending time with his friends and family. Upon graduating from college at Western Illinois University - Quad Cities with his Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology in 2016, he proudly purchased his home in LaMoille. This is where he also served as a volunteer firefighter and treasurer of the LaMoille Fire Department from November 2013 to present.

Brandon was known for being hard working and dependable. Family and friends knew that they could call Brandon at any hour of the day and he would be there to help with no questions asked. Brandon has been a valued employee at Marquis Energy since January 2021. When he wasn't working, Brandon prioritized making memories with his wife and family. One of Brandon's favorite pastimes was taking off on his Harley with Laura on the back and his dad and brother riding alongside them. Brandon enjoyed fishing, kayaking, hiking and taking walks. He jokingly teased his mom for her endless hugs and selfies, was fully present during every moment he spent with his niece and nephews, and was a rock for his siblings. He was a motorcycle enthusiast who enjoyed enhancing and customizing his bike. He was the most amazing husband, son, brother, uncle, nephew, grandson, and friend; and he will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

He is survived by his wife Laura of LaMoille; his dog Mia; his parents Roger and Jill Hopps of LaMoille; his siblings Ashleigh (Nate) Hussey of St. Louis, Alyssa Hopps, Baylee Hopps both of LaMoille and Raeann (Mark) Stouffer; his father and mother in law Lonnie and Linda Rieker of Ohio, Illinois; his sisters-in-law Brenna Rieker and Rachel Rieker both of Ohio; his maternal grandmother Joan Ward of Van Orin; his paternal grandparents Ron and Marilyn (Knowlton) Hopps; his niece Evelyn Hussey; his nephews Walter Hussey and Charlie Hussey and many cousins, aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Richard Ward.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the LaMoille Fire Department or the family.