Patrick John Hopkins

Pat Hopkins, age 68, of North Mankato, died unexpectedly on Thursday, January 28, 2016.

Memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 4 at 11:00 a.m. at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary and will continue one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

Pat was born on March 5, 1947 in New Ulm to Clarence and Blanche (Diekmann) Hopkins. He graduated from Loyola High School in 1965 and then attended Willmar Community College. Pat was united in marriage to Nancy Hinkle in 1967. He served in the United States Army from 1967-1971. Pat worked in production for Northland Beverages/ Wis-Pak for many years. He then worked for the Nicollet County Sheriff’s Department as a dispatcher and jailer before retiring in 2008. Pat loved fishing and golfing. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and attending their sporting events. He was called Papa by his grandchildren and Pops by his coworkers at the Nicollet County Sheriff’s Department. Pat enjoyed volunteering his time at Pathstone. He was a member of American Legion Post #11.

Pat is survived by his wife, Nancy of North Mankato; two daughters, Kari (Brian) Burggraff of Brainerd and Katie (Troy) Donahue of North Mankato; grandchildren, Blake, Nate, Brandon, Taylor, and Breanna; Pat’s special buddy, Barney the cat; sisters, Joan (O.T.) Thompson and Bea (Jerry) Edwards; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Jean.