Russell Harold Hopkins

Russ was born on March 26, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois to Donald Stephen Hopkins and Delores Mailloux Hopkins. Russ was raised along with his eight siblings in Hayward, Wisconsin, where he grew up working on his family’s farm and loving the outdoors. His favorite memories as a kid involved climbing trees, sitting up high in the branches, and listening to the magic of the wind around him. 

After serving proudly in the United States Marines until 1962, he was honorably discharged and continued to serve as a Lieutenant in the Reserve Marines for years afterward. He soon moved to South Florida, where he met the love of his life, Gerlinde Hopkins, in 1968. 

Russ married Gerlinde in 1969 and they raised their two sons, Patrick and Michael, in Hollywood, Florida. He was a devoted husband and father, and above all, a man of faith. He spent his free time serving his family, church, and community in as many ways as he could; as church president, youth Little League coach, scout leader, Rotary Club President, and youth group teacher. In many ways, his professional life mirrored his personal life—as a “jack of all trades” and believer in his wife, Gerlinde. He helped Gerlinde start and build her photography business, which he managed, and in his younger years, he tried his hand at many occupations, including lumberjack, bait shack owner, radio host, and ambulance driver. 

Russ’ family meant everything to him, and he is survived by his wife, Gerlinde; his sons, Patrick and Michael; his grandchildren, Ryan, Maggie, Natalie, and Will; his nephews, David and Jimmy; and his siblings, Tom, Don, George, Irene, Verneen, and Jim. He is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Delores, and siblings, Florence and Bill. 

His sense of humor and accepting nature will be missed by all who knew him. A memorial service for Russ will be held on Saturday, June 17, at 3pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 580 Indian Trace, Weston, Florida.

 In lieu of flowers, the family of Russ Hopkins is asking for donations to St. Paul’s Lutheran. Here is the link:

https://stpaulweston.com/donate/