Elmer Hopper

     Elmer Hopper age 95 of Sioux Center, Iowa died Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Crown Pointe Care Center in Sioux Center.

     Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at Memorial Funeral Home in Sioux Center with Rev. Stephen Breen, officiating.  Burial will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Sioux Center.

 Livestream of Service 

 Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center.

     The family prefers memorials directed to Sioux Center Hospice.

     Elmer LeeRoy Hopper was born on October 1, 1928, to Ernest and Flossie (McBain) Hopper in Sedalia, Missouri.  He was raised in Sedalia and graduated from Smith Cotton High School in 1947.  After high school, Elmer enlisted in the United States Army.  He was in Cook school and served in the Army until June 22, 1950, when he was honorably discharged.  

     On September 18, 1952, Elmer was united in marriage to Carol Jean Barnes.  To this union, four children were born: Kathy, Mark, Marlon, and Kim.  Elmer and Carol later divorced.

     Elmer worked at the South Dakota State Prison for almost 23 years and held various employment.  He then met Alma Jean Schouten.  They were united in marriage on June 7, 1984, in Sedalia, Missouri.  Together they worked for Motel 6 for 5 ½ years, traveling the Midwest as Relief Managers.  They were sure to “keep the light on for you”.  They retired and moved to Sioux Center, Iowa in 1992.  During retirement years, Hopper worked for Casey’s General Store for 15 years.  Alma Jean passed away on May 27, 2005.  After her passing, Hopper enjoyed working for Wal-Mart as a greeter.

     He was a member of the First Reformed (Centerpoint) Church of Sioux Center, Iowa.  He enjoyed reading, playing Solitaire, and after moving to the nursing home really enjoyed playing BINGO.  He was a people person and really enjoyed visiting with everyone.  

     Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Mark Hopper, Marlon (Mary Jo) Hopper, Kimberly (Paul)Gotmer; stepchildren, Deb (Larry) VanderWeide, Sally (Dick) Koel, Paul Schouten, and Kathy (Rod) Van Beek; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; special nieces and nephews; and other extended family and friends.

     In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 21 years, Alma Jean; daughter, Kathy Swanson; stepson, Dave Schouten; and all of his siblings: Ernest Jr., Gertrude, Ruby, Katherine, Raymond, and Mary.