Dennis Raymond Hopman

Dennis R. Hopman, Detroit Lakes, MN, died Monday, July 1st in Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Hospital.

Dennis was born in Michigan, ND to Raymond and Theresa Hopman, April 2, 1933. Dennis graduated high school in 1951. He entered the Military service during the Korean was and served two years in the Army from 1953-1955 and was honorably discharged with Rank of a Corporal.

Dennis attended Mayville State University from 1955 – 1958. He graduated in 3 years with a double major in Business Education and Physical Education. He played football for 3 years for the Mayville State Comets.

Dennis was united in marriage to Jean Dahl (his high school sweetheart) on August 6, 1956. They lived in North Hall (married housing) in Mayville until he graduated in 1958.

Dennis started his teaching career in Esmond, ND in the fall of 1958, teaching Business Education. He was the football and track coach for three years. During this time, he spent summers attending the University of ND in Grand Forks. He received his Master’s Degree in School Administration and served as Superintendent of Schools in Esmond, ND for 5 years. While in Esmond, he implemented the switch from 6-man to 9-man football which is the structure to this day and started refereeing Basketball games.

All three of their children; Kim, Kent and Denise were born in Rugby, ND.

In 1966, Dennis and Jean moved to Moorhead, MN where Dennis taught post-secondary education at the Moorhead Area Vocational Technical Institute for one year. The 2nd year, he accepted the position of Assistant Director of the Vo-Tech (now M-State). He joined the FGO-MHD Officials Association and refereed both basketball and football.

In 1971, he accepted the position of President of the Detroit Lakes AVTI (now M-State). He served as president of M-State for 24 years. During his tenure he proudly lobbied and succeeded in leading 5 additions to the college, increased student opportunities to a rate of 95% placement ratio and was named “Boss of the Year”. Dennis retired July 1st, 1995, and enjoyed traveling with his wife Jean for many years.

Dennis participated in numerous community activities and organizations. He was a member of the Kiwanis, served on the Detroit Lakes City Industrial Development Board, the Rural MN CEP Bd. Of Directors, was the Exalted Ruler of D.L. Elks Lodge, President of MN State Directors Association, and continued to referee football for many years and served on the Becker County Parks & Recreation Board of Directors.

Dennis loved to spend time with his wife and family. He was an avid snowmobiler, loved to fish, hunt, golf, camp and any activity involving his family.

Dennis was very proud of the academic and athletic (basketball, football, track & valley ball) accomplishments of his grandchildren, Molly and Max. he was a regular fixture in the front row!

He is survived by his children Kimberly (Hopman) Johnson of Detroit Lakes, Kent Hopman of Detroit Lakes and Denise (Eric) Musland of LaMoure, ND. Two grandchildren, Molly and Max Musland. He is survived by one brother-in-law, albert Binfet, numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Dennis is preceded in death by his wife Jean, his parents, brothers Greg Hopman, Pat Hopman, sisters Ione Lazaran, Vivian Osman, brother-in-law Lyle Osman, Tom Lazaran, Dennis Dahl, James Dahl, sister’s -in-law Jacky (Dahl) Hopman, Shirley (Dahl) Binfet, Millie Dahl and Mary Hopman.