Frederick Clarence Hopping

Fredrick (Fred) Clarence Hopping, 97, of Grand Junction, Colorado, passed away peacefully at HopeWest on June 7, 2026. He was a remarkable husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend. His stories and wisdom will be profoundly missed.

Fred was born on August 18, 1928, in San Diego, California to Joseph Wesley Hopping and Daisy

Maybell Morehouse. At the age of two, his family of seven drove from San Diego, California to

Colona, Colorado and settled on Log Hill. He attended schools in Colona, Montrose, and

Olathe. Graduated from Olathe High School in 1946. He joined the Army in 1951 serving in Korea until 1954. He moved to Grand Junction and began working for Independent Lumber where he acquired his passion for woodworking. He married Rose Holekson on July 13, 1957, adopted his son Robert, and cherished sixty-eight years of marriage. His professional career was with MCSD#51 and State Home Regional Center working as a carpenter.

Fred was a skilled craftsman in woodworking and stained glass. He produced numerous treasured household items for family and friends. His gardens were a testament to his love of seeing seeds mature into delicious food and flowers. He and Rose enjoyed being in nature and were often found pulling a trailer behind his pickup and setting up a hunting camp. They traveled to all fifty states with Alaska being their favorite state. Their love for music, dancing and socializing was supported by fifty-year membership at Moose Lodge.

Fred is survived by his wife Rose, grandchildren Brandon Hopping (Lauren), Nicole Beightel (Nick), great grand-daughter—Bianca Pinkerton, and great-great-grand-son, numerous nieces and nephews and his beloved kitties, Molly and Polly.

Services will be held at Martin's Mortuary, June 29, 2026, Monday at 12:00 P.M. Internment will be at the Veteran's Memorial Cemetery at 3:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Animal Humane Societies in Grand Junction, CO.