1924-2009
Funeral services were held Thursday morning, Nov. 12, in Rippey Cemetery for Jack Audas Hopkins, 85, longtime former Rippey area farmer. Pastor Deb Parkison of the Rippey United Methodist Church officiated. Honorary casket bearers were Erin and Taylor Hopkins, and Christine Kunch. Active casket bearers were Dennis, Clinton, Steve, Brian and Drew Hopkins and Gary Huitt.
Hastings Funeral Home in Perry was in charge of arrangements, and memorials may be sent there.
Jack Audas Hopkins, son of Emery Hopkins and Nellie Carpenter Hopkins, was born November 1, 1924 near Rippey, Iowa on his parents’ farm and died November 8, 2009 at Perry Lutheran Home in Perry, Iowa, at the age of 85 years, 7 days. Jack received his education in Rippey. He married Willetta Berneice Kirk on March 1, 1948. They farmed north of Jamaica and then spent most of their lives farming south of Rippey. Jack loved dancing especially the Polka. He and Berneice belonged to the Des Moines Polka Club. He also enjoyed antique cars, gardening and his life on the farm. The couple entertained many with their dancing at area nursing homes. He watched sports on television, especially on Saturdays and Sundays. The family enjoyed many family vacations including attending the World’s Fair. Jack and Berneice had vacationed in Hawaii, Alaska, Germany, Mexico City, and Canada many times. They had traveled to all states to the West. For over 20 years they wintered in Texas where they made many new friends.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, a 2 year old brother Wilbur and his grandson Jason Hopkins. He is survived by and lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Berneice; sons Dennis and wife Gail of Perry; Clinton and wife Cynthia of Perry; 3 grandsons, Steven, Brian, and Drew Hopkins, granddaughter Erin Hopkins and great granddaughter Taylor Hopkins; special niece Christine Kunch; two sisters Olean Salmon of Carlisle, and Vona Hopkins of Connecticut; other relatives and friends.