Lillian Elvera Hopponen

Hopponen, Lillian Elvera 94, of Golden Valley, MN and formerly of New York Mills, MN passed away on June 4, 2019. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Lillian Ahlers; husband, John Hopponen; sisters, Evelyn (Harry) Peterson, Florence, Rose (Arlie) Niemala; brother, Willard Ahlers; son, Steven, and a grandson. Lil attended country school through 8th grade and went to high school in New York Mills, MN when buses became available. She attended normal school for a year to learn to teach 1st 8th grades and taught in a 1 room country school. Met her hubby while playing Whist at a friends' house and were later married on Dec. 7, 1945. She was a Den Mother for Boy Scouts, a Girl Scout leader, a Community Resource Volunteer about nature topics in the schools with birds being requested the most. Became a Volunteer Naturalist under Jim Gilbert at Carver Park. Was at Westwood Nature Center in St. Louis Park for 25 yrs. Other interests were sewing, crocheting, playing Whist, bowling, square dancing, stamp collecting, reading, and doing the family history, making heritage books. She is survived by daughter Dr. A Viktoria; son Terry; nieces & nephews; great nieces & nephews; great, great nieces & nephews; great, great great nieces & nephews; many cousins; friends; 4 grandchildren; and 1 great grandchild. Services have already been held. National Cremation Society in Richfield, MN was in charge of arrangements.

Published on July 19, 2019