Obituaries : John Harold “Hoppy” Hopkins

John Harold “Hoppy” Hopkins

ATKINS:  John Harold “Hoppy” Hopkins, 57, of Atkins (formerly of Cedar Rapids), passed away peacefully at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House on Saturday, December 6,2014, after a courageous battle with cancer.  Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Friday, December 12, 2014 at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Atkins, with Pastor Doug Woltemath officiating.  Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 pm at the church fellowship hall, Thursday, December 11, 2014.  In accordance with his wishes the casket will remain closed at all times.

  Phillips Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

John was born September 21, 1957 in Trenton, NJ to Richard Harold and Marilyn (Albertson) Bush.  He was adopted by Norman and Gloria (Poula) Hopkins in 1962.   Gloria passed away in 1969.  Norman later re-married Shirley (Sattler) Hopkins.  Together, the two of them raised John, along with 4 other children. 

John graduated from Jefferson High School, entering the work force at age 15.  He worked at Barlow’s, Me-Too, and then in the following years did anything from working construction, to moonlighting as a bartender until he was hired by PMX Industries.  He worked there for 17 years and was most recently employed by Quaker Oats.  

He married Sandy (Woellert) Hopkins on September 16, 1995.  Together the couple enjoyed golf, NASCAR racing, Hawkeye and Vikings football.  One of John’s greatest pleasures was hosting their annual Hawkeye Party, where a good time was always a guarantee.  John also collected Budweiser beer steins, die cast cars and license plates from all different states.  He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and “having a cold one” with friends.  He was affectionately known by many as “Johnny Boy.”  One of his greatest passions was helping people.  John was known in Atkins for mowing lawns, picking up leaves, blowing snow, or doing anything he could to help someone in need.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy, parents, Norman & Shirley Hopkins (Cedar Rapids), siblings Lynn Doty (Fayette, MO), Rose (Bill) Woerner (Waterloo), Richard (Becky) McCulley (New Sharon),  Shirley (Mike) McKinney (Gray, TN,) Chris (Anita) Mitchell (Wood River, NE), David Mitchell (Hollywood), FL,  Laura Campbell (West Des Moines), and Jessica (Brian) Kyle (Roanoke, VA).  Also surviving are father and mother-in-law, Eugene and Darlene Woellert (Cedar Rapids); sisters-in-law Sue (Jim) Peterson (Marion), Deb (Dan) Himes (Cedar Rapids), and Rhonda Purdy (Atkins), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, 2 very special girls in his life, Jodie Jepsen and Lori Nowachek (Atkins), countless friends, beloved dog (Kramer), and 2 cats (Bart and Cheeto).

John was preceded in death by his birth parents, paternal and maternal grand-parents, and sister, Alice Elaine Dudley.

John will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.  A special thank you to Dr. Leila Kutteh, everyone at Hall Perrine Cancer Center, as well as the Hospice House of Mercy, and all of those who cared for John while he was there.  Another special thank you to Pastor Doug Woltemath, and Pastor Steve Rempfer for their comfort and support.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Atkins Savings Bank.  Condolences may be left at: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com