Kristin Jo Hopkins
Kristin Jo Hopkins was born on July 11th, 1966 in Norfolk, Nebraska to young newlyweds Connie Sue Rees and Wayne Glenn Hopkins. True to Hoppy form, Kristin showed great ability in athletics, specifically in basketball and track and field-sprinting, becoming an accomplished middle and high school athlete. However, it was in her creativity where some of Kristin’s most powerful abilities took shape. After earning her A.A. degree from Century College (then called Lakewood,) she went on to first attend the College of Visual Arts in St. Paul, before ending up at the University of Wisconsin; Milwaukee to become an art teacher. While there, Kristin was blessed with her only child, Joshua Kim Credell Hopkins-Bowman IV on April 30th, 1992. To be closer to her family, Kristin and Joshua packed up and moved back to MN. Kristin continued to pursue her education while working and being a single mother. Eventually her persistence paid off in 2009, graduating from Metro State University with a degree in Psychology. Kristin had a passion for helping those in need. She worked at many halfway houses, providing treatment and counseling to individuals with severe and persistent mental illness and substance abuse. Kristin’s final working years were spent for Ramsey County where she fulfilled her passion for social service community enrichment. She often shared her past experiences with clients, serving as proof of what hard work can accomplish, empowering those in need to find their own sense of validation, strength, and hope. Apart from work, Kristin found solace in learning about the world around her, gardening, and sharing everything she could with her family and loved ones. Though her physical form may no longer be with us, her dedication, intentions, and legacy live on in the multitude of family, friends, and even strangers she impacted throughout her time here. No matter who it was or why, Kristin eagerly offered her support, knowledge, and love with unconditional abandon. She is survived by brother Jon (wife Loan and children Max & Rees) sister Angie (husband Chad and children Carly, Ryan, & Mitchell) sister Sandy (partner Ben and child Alex) son Joshua, doggie-daughter Melie, kitty-granddaughter Harper, extended family and friends. She will be missed forever. ~Go Huskers!


Obituary as published in the paper:

Kristin Jo Hopkins
Age 52 of St. Paul
Formerly of White Bear Lake
Passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on February 26th. Preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Connie. She is survived by her son, Joshua; siblings, Jon, Angie, Sandy and their families; many other family members and friends. Visitation on Sunday, March 10 from 1-4PM at MUELLER MEMORIAL, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake. Funeral Service at 4PM.