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Johanna Hopfinger
06/24/1920 — 02/01/2009
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Strasburg, N.D.
Johanna Hopfinger
Johanna Hopfinger, June 24, 1920 – February 1, 2009
After years of losing bits of herself from the effects of Alzheimer's, Johanna Hopfinger passed away peacefully at home early Sunday morning, February 1, 2009. Born in Strasburg North Dakota, to Catherine and George Gisi on June 24 1920, Johanna lived a vibrant life as a child in a family of 17 children. Her family moved to South Dakota while she was a young girl. Here, she met her devoted husband, Adam Hopfinger. They were married November 22, 1943, which was a very cold and snowy winter day. For two years, Johanna and Adam worked together on a farm, making it a successful venture. They moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota and then in 1949, they adopted their eldest daughter, Marsha. Looking for a permanent place to raise a family, Johanna and Adam moved to Richland in 1955, where they've lived ever since. In 1958, they adopted their youngest daughter, Karen, bringing her home from the hospital as a newborn.
Johanna was dedicated to keeping her home spotless and to caring for her family. She made a menu of meals for each week and found economic ways to prepare them deliciously. Sewing was a definite part of her routine. She made most clothes for both of her daughters and taught them how to sew as soon as they were old enough. When Adam and the girls left home for work or school, they all carried fresh lunches that she packed each morning. At the end of the day, there were the best cookies, cakes, pies, desserts and other treats waiting for her family. Keeping a schedule and a routine that focused on caring for her home, yard and family was Johanna's strong suit. Canning fruit and growing a garden in the summer were two favorite things that made her thrive, although, she often said she felt at her best when she was "on her knees scrubbing the floors." There was nothing like Johanna's commitment to making life good for family.
Johanna also had time to help out at Christ the King School, where her daughters attended. At one point, she got involved by helping with the girls' basketball team. That was a surprise to her daughters because they had no idea how much she loved that game. When the girls were older, Johanna went to work in the cafeteria of Richland High School Col. High. She made sandwiches for the students. She had her special kids who liked their sandwiches a certain way. Johanna made their sandwiches to order and she had them ready when they came through the line. Her daughter Karen attended high school when Johanna worked in the school kitchen. Karen's friends called her the "Sandwich Lady." As a dedicated parishioner at Christ the King, Johanna delivered Holy Communion to folks at the Life Care Center. She also worked as a member of the Alter Society. Johanna's need for cleanliness extended to keeping God's house clean, too.
With her death, Johanna is survived by only one of her 16 siblings, Delores Schaefer, age 80, Rapid City, South Dakota. She is also survived by husband, Adam, daughters Karen Mosset and Marsha Sork. Her extended family includes grandchildren Emily Mosset, Cathy Sork Gehlhausen & husband Steve, Eric Sork & wife Keri with great-grandchildren Tanner Sork, Austin Sork, Carson Sork & McKenna Sork.
Recitation of the Rosary will be at 7:00 PM, Thursday, February 5, Einan's Funeral Home, 915 By-Pass Highway, Richland. Viewing is for one hour before the Rosary. A funeral Mass will be February 6, 1:00 PM, Christ the King Catholic Church, followed by a graveside service at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
On-line obituary for reading and signing at www.einansfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Hospice Chaplaincy, 2108 W Eniat, Kennewick, WA, 99336.
Sorry for your loss.
As a young girl I remember Aunt Johanna always had a brilliant smile when we visited even with our large family of 11, however, they usually came to visit us in Sisseton, SD — could it be it was easier to travel then entertain 9 kids!
I also remember thinking Marsha was such a lucky girl to have Uncle Adam and Aunt Johanna as parents. I was saddened to see them leave South Dakota and, unfortunately, I never met my cousin Karen.
Much love and prayers to your family.
Loretta J. Gisi
Marsha,
Our condolences. I will call you some time.
Arnie
Marsha, Take time to cherish your memories. I know your mom was very special to you. From reading her obituary I can see where you get your kind heart and soul. You are in my thoughts and prayers. With love and respect, Karla Schlosser
Dear Marsha, Adam, Karen, and Emily,
I hope you can all keep in your hearts the twinkle that shined in Johanna’s eyes when she recalled cherished memories with each of you. I enjoyed the brief conversations I had with her and it helped me know more about your histories. What a treasure to have had her with you all these many years.
With Gentle Love,
Pat
Adam, Marsha and Karen
Wes and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. You have been and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
We didn’t have many opportunities to spend much time together, but Johanna’s warm smile and delightful laugh made a lasting impression. You were blessed to have her in your lives and she was equally blessed for your love and devotion.
We hope you take comfort in knowing that she is with her Lord and her family that loved her so.
Adam, Karen, and Marsha,
We were very sorry to hear of the loss of Johanna this week. Our prayers are with you during this time.
I have fond memories growing up a couple houses away from the âHopfingersâ in Richland. Your house was the cleanest and most immaculate in the neighborhood, and I was always in awe. But, the more important thing I recall about your home was the warm welcome I always received. For me, Johanna was always smiling, warm, and a calming presence, welcoming and greeting me on the street or into your home. She was also a comforting and familiar face at the CK cafeteria when I attended grade school. Decades later, we would see Johanna at Mass with Adam and receive the familiar smile. Her warmth always shined through, and brought me back to that earlier and peaceful time growing up on Torbett. She will be missed.
God bless you.
Karen, Marsha, and Adam,
How can anyone forget Johanna Hopfinger? She was one of the most gracious, generous, and forgiving people I’ve known. Like my brother Tom said, she had a calming influence on people around her. Our Brouns house was a wild zoo at times, so spending time at your house was a peaceful retreat. And like Sara said, Johanna was the best cook! What other mom made delicious homemade noodles from scratch, hand-rolled and cut, to serve with sauerkraut so that the children would enjoy the meal, too?
Johanna was such a big part of my childhood that she’s still as present to me today as she ever was. Not a week goes by without me remembering or even quoting Johanna to someone around me, whether it’s something about a hairbrush, laundry, sewing, dishes, cooking, canning, sweeping off the patio, or telling my dog to “bite-em-in-the-legs” like Joahnna used to say to your dog Nikki.
Marsha, I remember a time when Karen and I sat in your bedroom playing your guitar and singing John Denver songs together – song after song, passing the guitar back and forth between us. When we came out of your room, your mom was sitting there in the living room beaming at us. I was embarrassed to have had an audience through the closed door, but she was so full of praise that we went back in your room and made some more music. By the way, Marsha, thanks for letting us play your guitar.
I know I’ll miss Johanna very much, but I carry a big part of her with me every day.
Sorry to hear about JOHANNA. Both me and my brother GALEN from Ipswich, S.D. send our condolences to you ADAM, MARSHA, and Karen and
your families!
Karen,
I am sorry I can’t be at the funeral, but please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Your mom’s chocolate chip cookies were the best!
We were sorry to hear about your Mom. Although we can’t be at her funeral, you are in our prayers. Judy & Bernie Gisi
Adam, Marsha,& Karen:
Accept my condolence on the death of aunt Johanna. I do remember the vists you all made to our home in Sisseton. Mom and Dad talked alot about your family and was always good to hear.
We wish to say how sorry we were to hear that Mrs. Hopfinger had passed. She was one of those “genuine” people that are so hard to find. We wish her well on the next part of her journey.
“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord”, and we all know she will be treated well.
Respectfully,
Sue and Bill Hickman
Marsha,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your wonderful mother. We are thinking of you.
Love, Karyn and Doug
Dear Karen and family,
So sorry to see that your sweet mother has passed. It’s hard losing a member of your family specially your Mom. Just know she is in a better place. Our thoughts and prayer are with all of you during this time.
Dearest Marsha,
I share my deepest sympathy with you and your family at the loss of your dear mother. It’s clear, in knowing you, that her goodness ‘lives on’ in her caring and kind daughter. I am forever grateful for the counsel and advice you gave my son Brooks regarding schools for his move to Camas. My gratitude and prayers are with you.
Candace
Marsha, Karen, and Emily:
My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. I know how special your mother/grandmother was to all of you. Ann
Dear Adam, Marsha, Karen & Emily,
In thinking of Johanna, what I remember the most is her warmth, her counsel, her dedication to her family, and those chocolate chip cookiesâ¦the best anywhere.
I sincerely hope that the special memories each of you hold will help ease the sadness of her being gone and give you comfort.
She touched my life in a very special way and am grateful for that.
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Janice
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Johanna Hopfinger