Memorial

Raymond Lavern Hopkins, 98, formerly of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Friday, August 28, 2026, in Winter Haven, Florida.  A private graveside service, with military honors, will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Survivors include his children, Danny Boyle of Winter Haven, Florida; Kathleen Welsh (Pat) of Robins, Iowa; Kenneth Hopkins (Betty) of Wimauma, Florida; and Bruce Hopkins of Winter Haven, Florida.

Also surviving are his grandchildren, Michelle Buhrow (Brad), Kevin Hopkins (Karmen), Kallie DeKock, Danielle Kundee, and Jenny Boyle; and his great-grandchildren, Jacob Skarlis (Julianna), Nick Skarlis, Kellen Hopkins, Kaleb Hopkins, Kenley DeKock, and Addy DeKock; his nieces and nephews: Jack Stevens, Jeff Hopkins (Tracy), Mike Hopkins, Annette Rainsford, George Hopkins, Paul Hopkins, and Mary Lynn Strohvehn.

A special thank you is extended to his lifelong friend, Doug Peters.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, George and Myrtle Hopkins; and his siblings, Lee Hopkins, Harvey Hopkins, Bill Hopkins, and Dick Hopkins. Ray was the second oldest of five children.

Ray was born on January 23, 1928, in Unionville, Iowa, to George and Myrtle Hopkins. At the age of 17, he proudly joined the United States Navy on November 30, 1945, and served his country honorably, during WW II, until his discharge on October 8, 1947.

Ray was a dedicated employee of Wilson's Foods in Cedar Rapids for more than 35 years, retiring at the age of 55.

On January 23, 1953, Ray was united in marriage to Doris Koehn in Cedar Rapids. Doris had a son, Danny Boyle, and together Ray and Doris welcomed three additional children, Kathleen, Kenneth, and Bruce.

Ray and Doris were faithful members of Bethany Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. Ray was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and enjoyed watching Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball and football. He especially loved being a cheerleader for his grandchildren and took great pride in watching them excel in their favorite activities.

For many years, Ray enjoyed league bowling and was especially proud of achieving a perfect 300 game.

At the age of 80, Ray relocated to Winter Haven, Florida, leaving behind the snow and cold for a warmer climate. There, he discovered a love for shuffleboard. In just a few short years, he became a National Champion in his age group, earning a trophy and, perhaps even more importantly, endless bragging rights.

Ray will be remembered for his love of family, his competitive spirit, his dedication to the things he enjoyed, and the pride he took in the accomplishments of those he loved.