Howard C. Hopper

Howard Hopper, age 96, of Watertown, SD passed away on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Jenkins Living Center in Watertown. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Cornerstone Church in Watertown. Pastor Janine Rew-Werling and Pastor Craig Werling will officiate.
Visitation will be at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. and prior to services at the church on Thursday.
Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown. Military graveside honors will be conducted by Codington County Post #17 of the American Legion, Watertown, and the Funeral Honors Team of the U.S. Air Force. Active pallbearers will be Matt Hopper, Gabe Hopper, Mitch Hopper, Chase Hopper, Riggins Hopper, and Taylor Hopper. Honorary pallbearers will be Howard's coffee friends.
Howard Hopper was born on August 12, 1929, to Ivan and Margret (Petersen) Hopper, in Huron, SD. Raised in Sanborn County, South Dakota, he graduated from Woonsocket High School before attending Yankton College, where he earned his degree in 1951.
Shortly after, Howard proudly served two years state side in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Following his service, he began his professional career with Standard Oil Company as a sales representative. In 1954, he met Joan, and together they began a life filled with love and family, welcoming children beginning in 1955 with Monte, 1956 with Kim, and in 1958 with John.
In 1957, Howard joined John Deere in Minneapolis, and in 1962 he purchased the Codington County Implement Company in Watertown. His entrepreneurial spirit continued as he organized Green Line Equipment Company in Clark in 1968 and Deuel County Equipment Company in 1972. Through dedication and leadership, Howard built a strong legacy in the agricultural community that spanned five decades before his retirement in 2012.
Howard's commitment to service extended far beyond his business. He served two terms on the Watertown School Board, where he had the honor of presenting diplomas to his sons.
He was also active in local governance, serving as mayor of Watertown from 1992 to 1994 and later on the Watertown Municipal Utilities Board. His civic involvement included serving on the Harmony Hill Board and the South Dakota Activities Board of Control. Howard was a long-standing member of the First National Bank Board, and was a respected voice in shaping the city's growth and development.
Beyond his work and service, Howard enjoyed a full and vibrant life. He loved hunting, fishing, gardening, and trapping-his favorite pastime-and spent many happy years showing horses throughout the 1970s and 1980s. A devoted man of faith, he served on the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer Church Council, and was an active member of Hosanna Lutheran Church in Watertown. In 1993, he married Delrita, with whom he shared many joyful years filled with companionship, laughter, and love.
Howard is survived by his wife, Delrita; sister, Norma Patterson; son, Monte (Michele) Hopper; their family, Matt Hopper, Chase Hopper, Riggins (Lindsey) Hopper, Melissa (Brandon) Meyer, Hailey (Matt) Ellis, Brianna Meyer, Henry Meyer, Mitch (Mia) Hopper, Beau Hopper, Nora Hopper, Hazel Hopper; son John (Cindy) Hopper; their family, Samantha Hopper, Taylor Quinn, Ellie Quinn, Gabe (Cassie) Hopper, William Duggan, Charlotte Hopper; step-daughter, Sandy (Troy) VanSickle; their family, Taylor VanSickle, Nick VanSickle, Bailey (Jenna) VanSickle, Baylor VanSickle; step-daughter, Nicole (Jim) Owen; their family, Jeremy (Mandy) Owen, Lincoln Owen, Libby Owen, Abby Owen, Braxton (Hanna) Owen, Jack Owen, and Carter Owen; step-daughter, Sharee Hulscher; and step-son, Gregory Hulscher, who will carry forward his love, values, and legacy.
Howard was preceded in death by his first wife, Joan; infant son, Kim; his parents; and other beloved family members.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorials be made to a charity of your choice in Howard's honor.
Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti
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