Date of Birth:
Saturday, August 13, 1921
Date of Death:
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Age:
99 years old

Arlene Henrietta Hoopman

Arlene Henrietta Hoopman died peacefully in her home at Shorewood Commons in Rochester, MN on

Tuesday, April 13, 2021 of complications following a stroke she suffered in December.  She was 99 years old, just four months shy of her 100^th birthday.

Arlene was born on August 13, 1921 on the family farm in York Township, Fillmore County, MN to Benjamin and Mabel (Vrieze) Sikkink. She loved farm life and became a master baker of bread and cinnamon rolls and cookies, much to the delight of family and friends throughout her life. She had amazing grit and determination attributed to managing the challenges of farm life in the 20s and 30s. She spoke of trekking two miles over hilly Minnesota farmland to the one-room Liberty School she and her siblings attended. She especially noted the dreaded “heartbreak hill” that had to be summited during winter treks. The Great Depression shaped many aspects of her life and taught her the value of the earth’s bounty. She was an avid gardener and a devoted recycler before recycling came in vogue.

Arlene met Melvin “Mike” Hoopman, her husband of 66 years, while working at the Cherry Grove General Store in SE Minnesota shortly after WWII and the couple were married on June 21, 1947. They made their home in Spring Valley before packing up their three children, David, Sharon, and Richard, and moving to Rochester in 1957 when Mike was hired by IBM.

Arlene was a woman of unwavering faith. In 1960 she helped found the Church of the Savior, now Rochester Community Church, and launch the women’s guild. She helped get things started and her church family provided invaluable support as things became more difficult for her. She was a woman of her word and if she made a promise, you could take it to the bank. Before her hip replacement in 1994, her surgeon said she had to promise to exercise and remain active. From post-surgery rehab until her 99^th birthday she worked out at The Club at Shorewood 5-6 days a week and walked a mile a day during nice weather.

She preferred a life out of the spotlight but her many talents always shone through. In addition to baking, she had an incredible green thumb and surrounded herself with all manner of plants that would thrive under her loving care. In quiet moments, she would knit or quilt or crochet. She made stunning lacework and fine doilies, a skill she learned from her father.

Shortly after her 80^th birthday, she said she wanted a laptop. The laptop was purchased, and she whole-heartedly embraced digital technology. Her computer served as a communication tool and a way to pass the long days when gardening and hand crafts were no longer possible.

Cribbage was her game, and she was a shrewd strategist. Until COVID shut the world down, she was playing cribbage every Monday with Carol and Richard Aug, her dear church friends. She loved to win but serving coffee and homemade cookies at the end of the game was even more important.

After Mike passed away, the Shorewood “coffee group” welcomed her into their group and accommodated her presence despite her severe hearing loss. They took fantastic care to make sure her coffee cup was always full, and any leftover muffins found their way into her walker pouch.

Admired for her resilience, fortitude, and determination, she was a woman of quiet courage, with a spirit founded in grace and sustained by the strength of her faith, an inspiration to all who met her.

She is survived by her son, David Hoopman (Tracey Schleeter) of Kasson, MN and daughter, Sharon Grayden (Stephen Bayne) of Key West, FL; her grandchildren Carri Hoopman, Shelli Sadosty, and Emma Hoopman; and great grandsons Andrew Hoopman, Drew Anderson, and Evan Hoopman.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Melvin, her son, Richard Hoopman, her grandson, Jonathan Hoopman, her parents, sister LaVonia Sikkink, and brother, Julian “Bud” Sikkink.

A celebration of Arlene’s life is planned for August 14, 2021 at Rochester Community Church from 2-5 PM. The family sincerely thanks the Comfort Health staff at Shorewood Commons and the staff of Seasons Hospice who tenderly cared for Arlene during her last months. The family suggests that memorial contributions in Arlene’s name be sent to Seasons Hospice, 1696 Greenview Drive SW, Rochester, MN  55902. www.seasonshospice.org