John Hopke

John Hopke, age 84, of Fosston, MN, passed away on Sunday, March 7th, at Mahnomen Health Care Center in Mahnomen. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 12th, at the Carlin Funeral Home in Fosston with the Rev. John Ragan officiating. Interment will be in Rosehill Cemetery, Fosston. The funeral is open to the public however mask use is required. Military honors will be conducted by the National Guard Honors Team and arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston. The service will be recorded and available for viewing on the Carlin website later in the day on Friday. Messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

John Basil Hopke was born on March 26, 1936 in Fosston, Minnesota to parents John and Cora (Berge) Hopke. He was baptized and confirmed at First English Lutheran Church in Fosston. He grew up on the family farm south of Fosston. He attended country school and later attended Fosston High School, graduating in 1954.

While still in school he began working at the Fosston milk plant. Later he entered the United States Army taking his basic training at Fort Carson and was later stationed at Fort Belvoir in Virginia where he worked on the missiles. After his discharge he returned to the family farm south of Fosston. John then went back to work at the Fosston milk plant. He married Stephany Swenson and to this union, one son, Jeff, was born. For a period of time he owned and operated a backhoe service in the area.

In his later years he liked looking for a good bargain and tinkering out on the farm. He was an avid card player and liked watching football.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; sister, Joyce Lee; and brother-in-law, Ernie Lee.

Survivors include his son, Jeff, of Bagley, MN; brother, Howard (Charlotte) Hopke of McIntosh, MN; nieces, Sandy, Sherri, Susan, and Shelly; and one nephew, Scott. Many cousins also survive.