Each quarter, a member of the North Central Chapter NCRS will be selected at random and highlighted as Member in the Spotlight. We hope this will allow all members to get to know one another better. In the past, this was “Member of the Month,” and these have all been archived in the years listed below. View the Master List to peruse all of the previously highlighted members.
Master List | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024
Current Member in the Spotlight
Craig Hoepner
The Cherished Journey of a Couple, Their Family, and a 1981 Charcoal Metallic Corvette
March 2025 marks a monumental milestone for Craig and Rebecca Hoepner as they celebrate 50 years of wedded bliss. The couple’s love story has been beautifully woven into the fabric of their family, their cherished moments, and their shared passions, including their fondness for all things outdoors, gardening, long walks, hiking, bicycle rid ing, and the thrill of attending car shows. However, one passion that has truly stood the test of time is their deep affection for classic Corvettes.
Their journey with Corvettes began many years ago. Still harboring dreams of adventure, Craig made the difficult decision to sell their beloved 1977 Black on Black L82 close ratio 4-speed Gymkhana suspension Corvette to Jim Southworth of Southworth Chevrolet in Bloomer, WI., in exchange for a more practical family vehicle when they welcomed their two sons, Matthew (39) and Nathan (28), into the world.
The absence of their beloved Corvette did not extinguish the flames of passion for classic cars. In fact, it fueled Craig’s growing interest in restoration. In late 1977 and throughout 1978, Craig embarked on an off-frame restoration project of a 1963 coupe equipped with a powerful 327 V8 engine and a 4-speed transmission. This labor of love took place while working at Southworth Chevrolet, further cementing Craig’s dedication to car restoration.
Now, as they celebrate their golden anniversary, the couple is the proud owner of a stunning 1981 Charcoal Metallic Corvette (RPO 39) with its matching Charcoal Leather interior (RPO 181). One of 613 that were produced. This meticulously cared-for vehicle has only covered an impressive 37,000 documented miles, making it a true rarity. Born in Bowling Green, KY, in August of 1981, this numbers matching Corvette has all its glove box information intact, including the original two owner’s names and bill of sale from 1981.
This investment-grade beauty is not just a mode of transportation. It is a symbol of their shared history, their passion, and their commitment to preserving the integrity of classic cars. As the sun sets on their momentous anniversary, Craig has set his sights on having their remarkable Corvette judged in the spring of 2025. To achieve this, they sought the expertise and guidance of Tim Schuetz from Boulder Motorcar Company and Jerome Lardy from the National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS), who have been instrumental in kick-starting this new venture.
There is something enchanting about the authenticity of their beloved Corvette. Its originality, and the years of untouched beauty, hold a special place in their hearts and minds. Becoming custodians of such an amazing automobile, Craig and Rebecca long to keep their cherished Corvette as it is, maintaining the originality that has witnessed their journey through time, and growth of their family. One day potentially being enjoyed even further by their kids and grandkids, Tony (9) Maggie (5) Olivia (5) and Evelyn 9 months, for many more years.