Charles Gene "Chuck" Hopwood

A Viking Spirit was released on, September 15, 2009, when retired farmer and pillar of the recovery community, Charles Gene "Chuck" Hopwood, 63, died at Bridges Medical Center in Ada, MN.

Chuck was born on April 6, 1946, in Ada, MN to parents Charles Eugene and Gladys Louise (Gilbertson) Hopwood who lived and farmed in McDonaldsville, and Lake Ida Townships.

Chuck graduated from Ada, High School in 1964 where he was a champion athlete. He attended NDSU where he played football his freshman year. In the summer of 1965 Chuck returned to Ada to help farm due to his mother and father's poor health. In 1968 he accepted full responsibility for the operation of the family farm.

In 1972 Chuck purchased the Sittko/Jensen farm adjacent to his parent's farm and enlarged his farming operation. Later Chuck and his friend and first cousin Thor Arlen "Art" Gilbertson formed a unique business partnership sharing Chuck's machinery and Art's labor so both could be productive and successful farmers.

Chuck had a life long interest in conservation and was awarded the 1990 Conservation Farmer of the Year by the Norman County Rod and Gun Club and the 1993 Conservation Cooperator by the Norman County Soil and Water Conservation District. He was open to new ideas and programs to improve his land usage and the environment. He used his time, talent, and equipment to help his friends, relatives, and neighbors improve their land. He was active in many community projects where he could use his expertise and equipment.

Chuck was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and the Rod and Gun Club. He served on the Norman Co. Soil and Water Conservation District Board.

Chuck was known for his contagious laugh and his good sense of humor. He was active in the area recovery community and was a mentor to many recovering people. He especially enjoyed his outreach work on the White Earth Reservation. In 2002 he helped organize the first Wild Rice Round-Up at the Shooting Star in Mahnomen and continued to help organize and watch the annual event attract more people each year. He was a frequent speaker for various outreach programs and local high schools in the area. July 5, 1980 marked the beginning of his life of sobriety. He was grateful for the area recovery programs and was blessed by the many people who shared his recovery journey.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Gladys and by many Gilbertson and Hopwood aunts and uncles. He is survived by his son Noah Storslee, Ada, MN, Noah's mother Harriet Storslee, Ada, MN, sisters, Lynda (Gilbert) Lord, Mill Creek, WA, Sharol Hopwood and Sharon Lassiter, Arrington, TN, nieces Nicole (Eric) Placzek, Camano Island, WA, Andrea (Philip) Diepenbrock, Mill Creek, WA, ten great nieces and nephews and a large extended family throughout the United States.

(Memorials may be sent to the charity, recovery program, or church of your choice.)

Funeral Service: 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 19, 2009, at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN.

Visitation: Friday, September 18, 2009 from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at Fredrikson Funeral Home, Ada.

Arrangements with Fredrikson Funeral Home

Ada, Minnesota (218-784-4600)

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