Ray Hoopingarner

Seymour Ray Hoopingarner, age 89, of Humboldt, formerly of Rolfe, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in the comfort of his home.

Ray was born January 4, 1937 to Isaac and Esther (Jensen) Hoopingarner in Roscoe, Missouri. At the age of 11, he moved with his family to the farm north of Rolfe. He graduated from the D.M.T. School with the class of 1954. He then started his farming career on the family farm.

Ray was united in marriage to Jeniece Burns on June 14, 1959 at the Methodist Church in Rolfe. In November of that year, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served first in Lawton, Oklahoma and then Kitzingen, Germany, celebrating their first wedding anniversary in Germany. Upon completion of his duties, Ray returned home on Jeniece's 21st birthday in February of 1962. They settled on the farm north of Rolfe where they farmed for the next 60 years and raised their family of 3 sons, until retiring and moving to Humboldt in 2023.

In the fall of 1997, Ray and his wife purchased a lunch wagon business and spent the next 16 years operating the R&J Lunch Wagon. Many auctions were attended and it was an enjoyable experience meeting many nice people.

Ray was very dedicated to his farming and most happy in that endeavor. He also enjoyed meeting his farmer friends at the local coffee shop.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Jeniece of 66 years; sons, Kenneth (Terri) of Paullina, Lyle (friend Paula Myer) of Humboldt and Tom (Amy) of Pocahontas.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Arthur and Eugene.