Kenneth Hopf
| Kenneth Allen Hopf | |
 | |
| Personal Details | |
| Birth: | October 17, 1952 Kenosha, Wisconsin |
| Death: | February 23, 2024 (aged 71) Madison, Wisconsin |
| Education: | BA in Music and Philosophy, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Oberlin College Conservatory of Music; Associate Degree in Computer Science, Mission College |
| Occupation: | Programmer and Engineer |
| Residence: | Madison, Wisconsin |
| Party: | Libertarian Party |
Kenneth Allen Hopf (October 17, 1952–February 23, 2024) was an American programmer, engineer, and political activist. He served as the Director of the Wisconsin Chapter of the Libertarian Party in the late 1970s.
Biography
Early Life and Education
Kenneth Allen Hopf was born on October 17, 1952, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to Vernon H. and R. Lois (Steadman) Hopf. He grew up in Kenosha, Milwaukee, and Madison, graduating from James Madison Memorial High School in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1970. Hopf attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he majored in music and philosophy. He pursued further studies at Oberlin College Conservatory of Music in Oberlin, Ohio. In 1990, he earned an associate degree in computer science from Mission College in Santa Clara, California.
Career
Hopf spent most of his career as a programmer and engineer, working at various technology firms in the Silicon Valley and San Francisco Bay Area. He lived in Mountain View, California, for over four decades.
Political Involvement
In the late 1970s, Hopf served as the Director of the Wisconsin Chapter of the Libertarian Party. He remained an advocate for libertarian principles throughout his life, particularly focusing on economic theories and the works of F. A. Hayek.
Personal Life
Hopf married Marilyn Ramos on January 1, 1996. They had one son, Tristan. He was deeply interested in classical music, art, philosophy, science, technology, religion, mathematics, foreign languages, history, and political conflict. He admired the works of F. A. Hayek and Sir Karl Popper and contributed a review to David Miller’s book "Out of Error" in 2017. He was working on a book about epistemology at the time of his passing.
Hopf was known for his sharp wit and extensive knowledge across various subjects. He was an avid supporter of the San Francisco Symphony.
Death
Kenneth Hopf passed away peacefully at his home in Madison, Wisconsin, on February 23, 2024, at the age of 71. He had suffered from stroke and hydrocephalus in his final years. A private funeral service was held in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on May 10, 2024, with a celebration of life planned for a later date.
Family
Hopf is survived by his wife, Marilyn; son, Tristan; brother, Kevin (Jane) of Eugene, Oregon; sister, Georgianna Hopf of Madison, Wisconsin; and nieces and nephews. He was also cherished by many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon H. Hopf and R. Lois Hopf.
Legacy
The family has requested that donations be made to the San Francisco Symphony or directly to the family in the Pilipino tradition.
Political Campaigns
- Wisconsin State House, District 76 (1980)
External Links
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