Thomas L. Hopke

Thomas L. Hopke, age 81
Sauk Rapids, MN
November 5, 1940 – January 29, 2022
Thomas LeRoy. Hopke, age 81, of Sauk Rapids, MN passed away on January 29, 2022 at the Melrose Nursing Home after a brief illness.
Private graveside service and burial were held at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Sauk Rapids, MN. Arrangements are with Benson Funeral Home, St. Cloud.
Thomas L. Hopke was born on November 5, 1940 in St. Cloud, MN to Herman and Ione (Stavrum) Hopke. He attended Riverview School on the campus of St. Cloud State from kindergarten thru 9th grade. Tom then attended St. Cloud Tech High school where he graduated in 1959.
Tom served in the Army Reserves for 6 months. Upon his return He started working at the St. Cloud VA. Some years later, he transferred to the VA in Seattle, WA. Tom later transferred to the VA in Portland OR where he worked until he retired.
Tom enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad and brother in his younger years. While living out west he enjoyed elk hunting and salmon fishing. On his return to St Cloud Tom enjoyed fishing at the Mississippi River below the 10th Street Dam. He also liked to tie flies for bait to use when fishing.
Tom is survived by his siblings, Terry (Audrey) Hopke, Cynthia (Edwin) Meyer-Holthaus, and Jane (Michael) Spaude; one nephew, Todd Meyer; and 3 nieces, Lisa Tomford, Heather Stephens, and Kris Thell. He is also survived by his soul mate and best friend for 30 years, Joyce Sanders.
He is preceded in death by his parents and many beloved pets.