HOPKEN, ELLA E.—Ella E. Hopken was born to Frederick Wolfteich and Anna F. Markwardt Wolfteich on March 21, 1902, on a farm west of Bruning, one of twin daughters, and passed away April 24, 1989, at the Fillmore County Hospital in Geneva, at the age of 87 years, 1 month and 3 days. She was one of 12 children in the family.
When Ella was a small child, her parents moved to a farm south of Ohiowa. She attended a rural school through the eighth grade. As a young woman, Ella worked at home and in various homes in the Ohiowa, Bruning and Geneva area.
Ella received the sacrament of holy baptism as an infant and made her affirmation of her confirmation vows at South St. John’s Lutheran Church (now known as Grace Lutheran) couth of Ohiowa on April 16, 1916.
On November 26, 1924, Ella was united in marriage to Bernard Hopken at the St. John’s Lutheran Church by the Rev. G. Klatt. They were blessed with two daughters and one son.
The couple started their married life on a farm north of Ohiowa and later moved to a farm near Strang and then Martland. They then moved to a farm southwest of Geneva.
Ella loved to work in her garden and her flowers. She took much pride in her home and her family, and dearly loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and their visits to the home.
She became a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Shickley after moving to the farm north of Martland I about 1938, in which she maintained her membership until her death.
Ella was also a member of the Stanton Woman’s Club, and on November 24, 1974, Ella and her husband were privileged to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.
Due to failing health, Ella moved to Heritage of Geneva in April of 1980.
Ella was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard; parents, Frederick and Anna Wolfteich; brother, George and two infant brothers; sisters, Lena Henkle, LaVern Garrison, her twin sister, Elsie Eppler, and one infant granddaughter.
Interment was in the Geneva Public Cemetery.
The Nebraska Signal 4 May 1989