David F. Hopkins
December 7, 1938 ~ August 24, 2012
Passed away peacefully on Aug. 24th surrounded by his family. Preceded in death by sisters, Marian Doan, Verla Smith, Sally Hopkins; brothers, Edward Bud Hopkins, John Hopkins. Survived by sisters, Shirley Pavolka, Carol (Jim) Clemens, Judy (Jack) Rice, Myrt (David) Neff, Nan Noren; brother, Stanley (MaryAnn) Hopkins; many nieces, nephews and dear friends. A Celebration of Daves Life will be 11AM Wed. Aug. 29th at Zion Lutheran Church, 28005 Old Towne Rd., Chisago City, with a gathering beginning at 9AM until time of service. Interment with military honors will be at Union Cemetery, White Bear Lake . A special thank you to all who cared for Dave throughout the years. Memorials preferred to Parmly LifePointes.
My relationship with David was professional, and I felt obligated to maintain that boundary outside work, but we were friends nonetheless. I am no longer employed in the place that necessitated that boundary, and it is in the search for his contact information online to renew our friendship that I have only now, sadly, stumbled onto this notice filled with loving, moving and deserved tributes. I will remember David through the painting I bought from him and the cards of his artwork he sent me. I treasured him for that wry sense of humor, his sly observations, his kindness, and his ability to accept what came with grace. The memorial photo does him justice, and is how I remember him. He was truly a wonderful human being and I was looking forward to us having visits that were only for fun instead of work (of course, there was at least some fun; it was David, after all). A great guy, and I will miss him greatly. Doug Stevens, Minneapolis.
On behalf of Forest Lake American Legion Post 225 we give thanks for David’s military service to out nation.
David my friend. I will miss your kind smile and gentle laugh. I will miss the beers we had on the swing. I will miss your bear hugs, thank you for the last one. You taught me so much about how to live, you have been and continue to be my hero. It was a special gift to know you . P.S. I’m going to look you up when I get to heaven – I want a polka and a waltz..
Dear Shirley,
Seeing David’s obit (though not knowing him), refreshes wonderful memories of your brother, Bud. We worked together in the late ’40’s/early ’50’s and Bud was such a great fellow. Haven’t seen you for years, but had to share the great memories I have of another of your brothers, Bud.
How will I walk through my days without you, my beloved friend? I weep selfishly for my personal loss, but laugh joyfully seeing you in my dreams running and leaping without that four-wheeled devil! I will forever miss our pizza parties in the gazebo, and our rides through-out the country, looking for new painting ideas, while rehashing your childhood history. I still believe that there is not anyone you don’t know in Chisago County; you always had a go-to name for me whenever I was stumped on a story while writing for the newspaper. You watched my children grow and there wasn’t a day that you weren’t a part of their lives. Dearest David, how we love you so, and we’ll rejoice in your release and try to comfort ourselves with the knowledge that you are no longer in pain. I hope you’ll paint us a picture of heaven now, so that when we look to the skies at sunset, we’ll see your love scrawled across the sky! We love you so much, David! Nancy, Todd, Matthew & Megan Kramer
Chisago City, MN
To David’s family, My sincere condolences to you. David was one of a kind. He always kept a positive attitude over the years in the god times and the bad times. Rest in peace my friend, and I will miss you especially on Thursdays at the PVA bowling. Carol Ostertag