Wilbur Hopfner, 96

Wilbur Frank Hopfner, 96, died December 13, 2010.

Wilbur was born May 8, 1914 in Beaulieu to Frank and Catherine (Dobmeyer) Hopfner.

Wilbur met Leona Wilken at a dance in Millerville and on October 10, 1941, they were united in marriage in St. Paul. Wilbur was in the Army from 1941-1945 and was in charge of the surgical ward and operating room. Upon his honorable discharge in November of 1945, Wilbur and Leona moved to Brandon and Wilbur purchased the Barber Shop, which he owned and operated for 50 years, retiring at the age of 80.

Wilbur and Leona were blessed with two children, Judy and Doug, and they raised their family in Brandon. They had strong faith and attended church at St. Ann’s in Brandon throughout their life together.

Wilbur had a talent for music and he loved to play the saxophone. He had a band called the Jolly Dutchmen and enjoyed playing at weddings, Brandon Days, dances, anniversaries and more. His other hobbies included landscaping, woodworking making birdhouses, and fixing clocks. Wilbur enjoyed playing old time music with Don and the Blue Knights. In his later years, he brought a lot of joy to his friends and acquaintances by playing in nursing homes throughout the state. Wilbur was a member of Brandon American Legion Post #278 and enjoyed serving his community and participating in the town parades.

Wilbur was preceded in death by his wife, Leona, in November 2010; his parents; and six sisters and brothers, Rena Athmann, Freida Athmann, Della Renner, Walter Hopfner, Leo Hopfner and Delmar Hopfner.

He is survived by his daughter, Judy Hilgren and husband, Wally, of Bloomington; his son, Doug Hopfner and wife, Susan, of Edina; five grandchildren, Jolie Hockert and husband, Jeff, Kristi Neal and husband, Jim, Andrea Hilgren, and Katie and Matthew Hopfner; two great-grandchildren, Hayden and Kaya Neal; two stepgreat-grandchildren, Ethan and Logan Hockert; and nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, December 18 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Brandon with the Rev. Father LeRoy Scheierl officiating. Music was by Bernie Thoennes and Evelyn Lanners. Pallbearers were Jolie and Jeff Hockert, Kristi and Jim Neal, Andrea Hilgren, Katie and Matthew Hopfner. Interment followed at the church cemetery.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

A00009B2010DC22

Tags: wilbur hopfner, obituaries, hopfner