Timothy Hopkins

Timothy Paul Hopkins, 63, of Staples, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 24, 2014. Friends and family are invited to gather for a visitation from 5:00-7:00 PM Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples, MN. A Committal service will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, October 30, 2014 at Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery near Little Falls, MN.

Tim was born December 1, 1950 in Princeton, MN to Ralph and Agnes (Lefebvre) Hopkins. The family moved to Staples in 1956 where he grew up and graduated from Staples High School in 1969. Tim was a Vietnam Veteran having served 2 years in the US Army from 1970-1971. He attained the rank of E4, and was awarded both a Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal for his service. He was honorably discharged and then served as an Army Reservist until 1976. Tim married his high school sweetheart, Laurie Jenkins, on September 4, 1971. Tim attended Staples Area Vocational School from 1972-1973 in the Tool Design/Tool Engineering program. Tim began working with the Owatonna Tool Company in 1973. Over his 28 year career, he held numerous positions, starting as a tool detail draftsman at OTC and ending as a manufacturing engineer with SPX/Power Team in 2000. Tim and Laurie relocated back to Staples in 2001, where Tim then retired from D and D Machining in 2012. Tim was actively involved in many different organizations, including the Eagles Club, VFW Post 3723, American Legion Post 77 and TOP TEAM of Owatonna, MN. Tim enjoyed taking trips to Mexico, pool league, camping, NASCAR racing, people watching and classic cars. Tim especially loved spending time with his friends and family.

Tim is survived by his wife, Laurie; children, Amy (Brad Blank) Hopkins of St. Cloud, MN, Amber Hopkins of St. Cloud, MN; granddaughter, Arianna Hopkins of St. Cloud, MN; siblings, Marlys Hopkins of Apple Valley, MN, Jim (Kimberlee) Hopkins of Green Valley, AZ, Mike (Rita) Hopkins of Lakeville, MN, Charley Hopkins of Idaho Falls, ID,
Deb Andrews of Hackensack, MN, Paul (MaryAnn) Hopkins of Simi Valley, CA; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.