He was born in Jefferson City to Herman Joseph and Agnes Elizabeth Boeckmann Hopen. He was married in 1943 in the state of California to Lucille Loethen. He was married on October 20, 1951 in Boone County, Arkansas, to Bonnie Jean Dickson Smith who died on September 19, 1986. Survivors include one sister, Louise F. Norwood, Ellisville, MO; seven nephews; and five nieces. He was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church; American Legion Post 5; and was a fifty-year Golden Eagle member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 2693. Memorials are suggested to Masses. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was a 1938 graduate of St. Peter High School, and was employed as a salesman with Simpson Tobacco Company for ten years and with the Dr. Pepper & 7-Up Bottling Company for twenty-five years.