"i remember every saturday mom and i would go into town and get groceries and other stuff and we would belt out to the radio, i really miss those dyas :/"
In loving memory of
Sheryl K Hopkins
February 8, 1957 - March 24, 2011
Sheryl Kay Hopkins, age 54 of Colfax, died Thursday, March 24, 2011 as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident. A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. at the Howard Street Christian Church of Colfax. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 28, 2011 at Coburn Funeral Home of Colfax from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. with family present to greet friends from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Memorials in Sheryl's name may be left for the family at the funeral home and online condolences may be left at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com.
The daughter of Gene and Roberta (Kracht) Borkowski, Sheryl was born on February 8, 1957 in Harlan, Iowa. She was a 1975 graduate of Irwin-Kirkman High School and from there went on to receive a nursing degree from Iowa Western Community College in Harlan. Sheryl was united in marriage with Norman Hopkins in September of 1990 at her home in Altoona. Sheryl worked as a purchasing agent for Co-Line Welding in Lynnville. Sheryl enjoyed gardening and planting flowers. She loved being a mother and had fun entertaining the kids' friends.
Those left to honor her memory are her husband, Norman Hopkins of Colfax; three children, Lucas, Jesse, and Samantha Hopkins, all of Colfax; one step-son, Travis Hopkins, stationed in Germany; three step-grandchildren, Brandon, Michael, and Dakota Hopkins; parents, Gene and Roberta Borkowski of Irwin, Iowa; four siblings, Kevin Borkowski (Connie Wees) of Harlan; David (Pamela) Borkowski of Irwin; Steven (Holly) Borkowski of Irwin; and Susan Thraen (Brian Yoch) of Cedar Rapids and many nieces and nephews. Sheryl was preceded in death by her grandparents and one daughter, Jenny (Smoo) Wolf.
Tributes
"To Sheryl's family, you have my deepest sympathy. I was very sorry to hear about Sheryl. We were classmates at Irwin. A lot of good memories. My prayers go out to you. "
"My deepest sympathy to you and your family Norm. Sheryl was a wonderful person that I had the privilege to work with for many years at Namasco and recently at Co-Line. When we talked, a conversation never went by without talking about funny stories about our kids and life in general, and no matter what kind of day I was having, I was always in a good mood after talking with Sheryl. You could always tell, by the fact that our conversations always migrated to our families, that she loved her kids and husband more than anything. She will be missed greatly! Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you cope with your loss. She was a special person that will always be in all of our memories. "
"I consider myself a better person having known and and shared a friendship with Sheryl. I will miss her infectious laugh and smile. I have some great memories of her...she shared her beautiful flowers with us to decorate for my son's wedding. I will remember the late-afternoon "meetings" with Bryan, Sheryl and myself in my backyard. The last time I got to see her was about 6 weeks ago when Jasper Co was being threatened with yet another snowstorm. She e-mailed me to ask if I had a room to rent!?!?! Needless to say, we ended up having a "slumber party" that evening. We shared a bottle of wine, laughed together until our stomachs hurt, shed tears together about our past losses, and simply enjoyed our close friendship. Even though I didn't get to see her as often in the last year, we kept in close touch with one another. She loved her husband and children deeply. To you her family...she loved you all so very much, and I am sure she will continue watching over each of you from her special window in heaven. God Bless!"
"To all of Sheryl's family; you all have my deepest sympathy. I was a classmate of Sheryl's through most of gradeschool and all of highschool. I haven't seen or heard from her in a very long time, but I certainly feel a loss. Sheryl was a great person, always a lot of fun, and friendly to everyone. I am so sorry for your loss."
"Sheryl was a great friend and co-worker. She had such a kind, honest and loving heart and was someone you could always trust. Sheryl set a GREAT example of commitment not only to her family but also to Co-Line/Goalsetter Systems. Though your physical presence will be missed, you will grace our hearts and memories forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. "
"Norm and family, We haven't seen you guys for years but remember the good times we used to have visiting with you all at the Palm's house. You were trying to clean up the Riverbend area at that time. Our deepest sympathies to you and the kids - who aren't kids any more. She will be greatly missed."
"I never met Sheryl in person, but talked to her many ttimes each week. She always had a smile in her voice and always ready to laugh. She truly cherished her kids and family. My heart aches for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"Even though I never met Sheryl, I felt like I knew her. I did business with her both at Namasco and at Co-Line. My condolences. I am sorry that I never got to meet her."
"Your family is in our thoughts and in our prayers. Our family is so very sorry for your tragic loss. We pray for peace and comfort during this very difficult time. May God bring those things to you swiftly. God Bless. Larry and Cindy Miller - Harlan, IA"
"One of my/our absolute favorite persons in the steel industry ... I/we always looked forward to taking her & her husband Norm to dinner. Well , because we knew there would be plenty of laughs & plenty of cheer. She will be missed, but remain in our memories."
"My condolences for your loss. She was a good friend, whom I enjoyed working with. She will be missed by us all."
"Please accept our deepest condolences, Sheryl and I shared countless stories and laughs in Des Moines. She is the one who brought my husband and I together, and we are forever grateful. She will be missed."
"Please accept our deepest condolences. Sheryl and I shared many laughs and stories during our time in Des Moines. It is because of her that my husband became part of my life and I will always be internally grateful. Our thoughts are certainly with you during this time. Jim and Katy O?Shea "
"Although I never had the pleasure of meeting the family that I heard so much about, I do know that through my weekly conversations with Sheryl that you have always been the most important thing in her life. To the family and to you Sheryl, you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. "
"The Local Union expresses it's deepest sympathies to you and your family Norm. We're so sorry for your loss."
"Norm, Lucas, Jessie, and Sam, I wanted you all to know how sorry we are to hear about the passing of your wife and mom. She was a dear friend and I will miss her. I wanted all of you to know how much she loved you and how special you were in her life. I've known her for almost 21 years and she talked about all of you often. Even though you won't be able to see her she will definitely watch over all of you and be with you in spirit. Sheryl was a special person and while reflecting on her life the thing that sticks out to me the most is her genuine love and concern for others. I think she epitimized the commandment love your neighbor as yourself. I will leave you with one final thought that gives me some comfort. I envision how Sheryl entered the kingdom of God on Thursday and her tearful and joyous reunion with her daughter Jenny. Finally I thank God for Sheryl and what she meant to my life. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you."
"I regret that I didn't have more time to work with Sheryl, joining Co-Line this fall. I am thankful for the short time I did know her, though. I think every time I saw her, she was smiling. A week ago, we ate lunch together and she kindly took the time to ask about my (broken) leg. This is my last memory of her. It was evident that she was a very caring, full of life wife, mother and coworker. We'll keep you all in our prayers during this very difficult time."
"To me Sheryl was the "hugger." Sheryl's friends and family (including siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins) can honestly say the last time they saw Sheryl they received a smile, big hug and kind words. Sheryl was very giving of those 3 things: smiles, kind words and hugs. I have always marveled at her when it was time to leave a family gathering. (Everybody got a hug, even the teen-age nephews who tried to hide from her.) That was important to her - every time she had the opportunity she let others know how much she cared about you. "
"I will miss the funny personality of Sheryl because she could make anyone laugh and have a wonderful time anywhere any day. She would make you feel good when you were having a bad day. We will miss her very much."
"Norm, i just wanted you to know we are all thinking of you. I'm so sorry for your loss. All though I only met Sheryl once I immediately knew she was a wonderful person. And no, it's not just because she brought us all ice cream on that horrible hot day. (But that was awesome of her to do) Anything you need I am here buddy! "
"Norman; my thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids during this terrible time. Sheryl was such an angel and will be truly missed by all of us. God will get you through this difficult time, but please know that your family is (and always will be) here for you with anything you need. Love you all! Adriana"
"Sheryl was a loving, kind woman who cherished her family above everything. I was in awe of her strength. God Bless you my friend."
"What an outstanding woman!!! Dedicated to doing her absolute best, everyday. I am going to miss exchanging smiles with her even on the days we didn't get a chance to talk. To the family, she loved all of you with every ounce of her heart and spoke of all the fun times you shared. Remember and cherish the memories. You will be missed but not forgotten, God bless you Sheryl..."