Kenneth Hopkins

Kenneth T. Hopkins, 96, Minot, formerly of Garrison, ND died Saturday, April 1, 2023 in a Minot nursing home. Kenneth was born January 5, 1927, in Chicago, IL to Owen K. and Mary (Leonard) Hopkins. A move to North Dakota was made during his childhood to a farm between the communities of Ryder and Roseglen. Kenneth attended elementary school at the Blue Hill Township School and high school in Ryder, graduating from high school in 1945. Kenneth inducted into active duty service with the US Army on June 16, 1945 serving his country honorably overseas in Italy with occupation forces. He was honorably discharged from active duty on February 1, 1947. He continued his education at the ND State School of Science in Wahpeton where he studied to work in the electrical industry. He went to work for McLean Electric as a lineman and served the company for the next 41 years of his life in many positions that included public service and power use advisor. Kenneth also operated Hopkins Electric in his spare time, often wiring houses after the end of his regular work day alongside his children. It was their own apprenticeship program they often joked. Kenneth was united in marriage to Agnes Scheuring on April 11,1950. They made their home in Garrison and were blessed with four children. Agnes passed away on April 23, 1980 after a courageous battle with cancer. Kenneth was a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church, American Legion Post #49 and the VFW, all of Garrison. He served on the Garrison City Council and Knights of Columbus. Kenneth married Selma (Haugen) Linrud on October 16, 1982. They lived in Minot and shared the next 38 years of companionship, love and a growing family. Selma passed away on November 30, 2020. Kenneth will be remembered for his work ethic and involvement in the community. Kenneth is survived by his children George Hopkins, Rochester, MN, Ione Bimler, Great Falls, MT, and Robert Hopkins, St. Cloud, MN; grandchildren Dana Bimler, Jake (Saria) Hopkins, Josh (Sara) Hopkins, and Hayley Hopkins; 2 great-grandchildren; brother Wayne Hopkins, Garrison, ND; stepchildren Larry (Gail) Linrud and Lyle (Bobbie) Linrud, both of Velva and Sue (Rod) Wilson, Minot; 7 step grandchildren; 11 step great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Kenneth was preceded in death his parents, daughter Inez Hopkins, brother Warren Hopkins and son-in-law Larry Bimler and daughter-in-law Karen (Paetz) Hopkins. Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 10, 2023, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Garrison. Interment: St. Nicholas Catholic Cemetery, Garrison, ND (in the Spring 2023) Thomas Family Funeral Home