Terrel A. “Terry” Hoopman

Terrel A. “Terry” Hoopman

Terrel Austin “Terry” Hoopman was born June 17, 1944 in Spring Valley, MN. He was the third child of Orrin C. and Goldie (Austin) Hoopman. At the time Orrin was running a blacksmith shop and Goldie was running a grocery store in Cherry Grove, MN.

In 1947 the family, which now included younger brother Tim, moved to Austin as Orrin had gained employment as a welder in the mechanical division at Hormel. Terry attended school in Austin, graduating from Austin High School in 1962. In 1968 he obtained a BA in Music Education from Winona State College (later Winona State University).

On September 2, 1966, Terry was united in marriage to Kathleen Igou at Christ Episcopal Church in Austin. Terry taught school in Houston, MN for two years following his college education, returning to Austin in 1969. He worked in the mechanical division at the Hormel plant as a clerk for 30 years, retiring in 2000. Subsequently he and Kathy lived two years in Mason City, IA, followed by 4 years in Minneapolis before settling in the Moose Lake area.

Music was always his love and passion. Terry played the organ and directed choirs at several churches in the Austin area. His longest position was organist and choir director at Sterling Christian Church in Austin. Later he was organist and choir director at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Mason City, IA. Following a final move in 2007 to Sturgeon Lake, MN, Terry became part time organist at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Moose Lake. He held memberships in several chapters of the American Guild of Organists.

Terry and Kathy were enthusiastic campers and enjoyed visiting Minnesota state parks. After retirement, they completed longer trips including multiple visits to Oregon as well as trips to Alaska and Canada.

In May 2023 he became a resident of Moose Lake Village due to declining health and he passed away there peacefully on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

Survivors include his wife, Kathleen of Sturgeon Lake, MN; as well as three sons, Joe of Minneapolis, MN, Ben (Norma) of Eagan, MN, and Ed of Creswell, OR; three grandsons; two step-granddaughters; a brother, Tim of Anoka, MN; a brother-in-law, John Finke of Rochester, MN; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents; his older brother, Delbert; and his sister, Bernie Finke.

Private services will be planned for the spring in Austin, MN.

Memorials preferred to St. Croix Hospice, the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements by Clasen-Jordan Mortuary.