Lois Hopkins

Lois A. Hopkins, 85, of Chippewa Falls, died Monday, May 11, 2015, at Comforts of Home in Chippewa Falls.

She was born on August 6, 1929, in Cedar Rapids, IA to Clarence W. and Clara A. (High) Peterson and was baptized at First Baptist Church in Eau Claire. Lois graduated from Eau Claire Senior High School in 1947. For over 20 years she worked for Consumer Cooperative Optical Department in Eau Claire.

On August 7, 1950, she married Bruce Arthur Hopkins at West Rock Methodist Chapel in Rock Creek, MN. In 1951 they moved to North Shore Drive where they made their home for more than 50 years. Lois had the natural gifts of acceptance, grace, and an innate kindness that she showered on all who crossed her path. Her home was always open to all in the neighborhood; young and old. She wasthe sunnycenter of a tightknit community that shared good times and helped one another through the tough times. One could always count on her consistent, quiet strength, and patient listening ear. Many children have grown up under the shade of her love, and have her to thank for helping them grow up to be better people from her stableinfluence and guidance. She was the best wife, mom, grandma, mother-in-law, aunt, sister, and friend a person could ask for. We are lucky to be grieving her loss, we knew pure love.

Lois is survived by two daughters, Nancy (Jim) Schuh and Diane Hopkins Whelan; grandchildren, Joelle (Stuart) Johnson, Joy (Jack) Camp, Jenni (Ken) Stout, John (Bridget) Black and Serena Whelan; great-grandchildren, Auggie Hopkins Camp, Kate, Brooke and Lily Beals, Alexandra Stout, and Mitchell, Gage, Soren Arthur and Finlay Black; Goddaughters, Janet Christenson Hampton and Liz Hoffmann; daughter-in-law, Valerie (Mitch) Black; and many nieces, nephews and beloved friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Arthur Hopkins; son, Kent Arthur Hopkins; parents, Clarence and Clara; three brothers, Frank Peterson, George McManus and Bernard Bucholtz High; four sisters, Yvonne Hall, Clarabelle Velie, Beulah Boudreau and Tamar Borgenson; son-in-law, Peter Whelan; brothers-in-law, Donald Hopkins and Bill (Sandi) Hopkins; sister-in-law, Dorothy (Kenny) Christenson; nephews, David Christenson and John Hampton; and niece, Lori Peterson.

In her spare time Lois enjoyed photography, baking for the neighborhood, reading, researching family history, planting beautiful flower gardens, travelling, sewing, rosemaling, painting, and spending time with her California family.

The family would like to thank the staff of Comforts of Home and St. Croix Hospice for their care and kindness.

To honor Lois' wishes, a private family celebration will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Chippewa County Historical Society, 123 Allen St., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.