Roderick G. Hopkins Sr., of Webster, age 97, passed away peacefully with his wife Millie by his side on June 27, 2021, in Grantsburg, WI.

Rod was born in Webster, WI on February 9, 1924 to Charles and Dora (Shear) Hopkins.

He attended the Orange School and then went to Webster High School.

Rod married Sylvia Sharp in 1942. To this union three children were born, Rod, Ken, and Sherry.

Rod was drafted in the U.S. Army in December of 1943 where he drove an armored tank in General Patton’s division for 2 years. He was honorably discharged in January 1946.

Rod was always a hard worker. He bought a 1936 three-yard dump truck and he shoveled gravel and delivered it to anyone who needed it.

He moved his family to Iron Mountain, MN where he worked in the mines for 1 year before moving back to Webster.

Rod spent 4 years working in Alaska in the DEW Line. He came back in 1959 and started his company, Hopkins Sand and Gravel. The company is now in its 3rd generation of business. Rod always liked to say he started the company with a shovel and a truck.

In 1982 Rod married Millie (Golz) Mansfield and gained three stepchildren.

Rod’s passion was horseback riding. He never turned down a trail ride. He competed in various competitions at local county fairs and the Wild River Saddle Club until he was 90 years old. He also rode in the Camp Courage Wagon Train for over 20 years. He would always take a grandkid or two with him.

Rod also loved to winter in Mission, Texas. There was always a party there on his birthday. He loved his parties here in the summer as well. He lived to socialize.

He was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion. He was also an active member of the Lions Club.

Rod was truly a great man. He loved to spend time with family and friends. He had a great sense of humor and was a friend to all. He would help anyone who asked. He will be deeply missed.

Rod is preceded in death by his parents, Charles, and Dora; siblings, Charles, Dan, and Alice; son, Ken; and granddaughter, Katrina.

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Millie; children, Roderick (Judy) Hopkins, Sherry (Charlie) Cadotte; daughter in law, Lindi Hopkins; stepchildren, Larry (Doreen) Mansfield, Diane Mansfield, Sandy (Dan) Staples; 17 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2021, at 11:00 AM at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster (visitation 10:00 – 11:00 AM) with Pastor Steve Ward officiating. A lunch will follow the service at Zia Louisa’s pavilion in Webster.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster.

Last Update: Jul 02, 2021 5:45 pm CDT