Oliver Nelson Hopkins, 85, passed away on Tuesday at Azura Memory Care in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. He was born in Hamilton Ontario, Canada on October 4, 1932, the son of the late Eva (Nee: Soubier) and Oliver Nelson Hopkins Sr.
Oliver received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Purdue University and Masters at UW-Milwaukee in Statistics. During the Korean War from 1952-1956 Oliver proudly served in the United States Navy, Petty Officer 1st Class as a sonarman. On August 22, 1959 he was united in marriage to Sandra F. Hamby. Oliver was employed by the Racine Unified School District for 42 years, retiring in 2002. He taught math for 12 years at Jerstad–Agerholm Junior High School and worked as a research associate for the remaining 30 years. He was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church. He served as an elder and deacon and for many years ushered and played in the Bell Choir. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed watching sports, especially the Packers and Bucks, and in his younger years played basketball. Oliver loved dancing with his wife, spending time with his family and playing cards with friends.
He will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 58 years, Sandra; his children, Andrew (Lynda) Hopkins of Mequon, WI, Margaret (David) Goodall of Fullerton, CA, Ellen (Dean) Schauer of Prior Lake, MN; his grandchildren, Amanda, Drew, Gillian and Nina Hopkins, Stephen and Elizabeth Goodall; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife’s (Sandra) parents and her sisters, Ruth (Jack) Larrabee, Lucille (William) Clingan, and Helen (Steve) Stefan.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday at 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church with Reverend Gillian Weighton and Reverend Steve Fringer officiating.
Relatives and friends may meet with the family prior to the service, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Private interment with full military honors will take place at the Southern WI Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Memorials to the First Presbyterian Church, Our Harmony Club, or to the Alzheimer’s Association have been suggested.
Oliver’s family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the caregivers at Hometown Hospice and Azura Memory Care for their loving and compassionate care.