Royal E. Hopkins

Royal E. Hopkins, 85, Bismarck, died May 16, 2018, at Touchmark on West Century, Bismarck. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Monday, June 11, at McCabe United Methodist Church, 1030 N 6th St., Bismarck, with Rev. Mark Ehrmantraut officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am – 11:00 am Monday, June 11, at McCabe United Methodist Church, Bismarck. Interment will be held Friday June 22, 2018, at Jerusalem Cemetery, Wales, WI.Royal was born October 9, 1932, to William Thomas Hopkins and Mary Ruth Jenkins in North Prairie, WI. He graduated from Waukesha (Milwaukee-area) High School and later graduated from Lawrence College, Appleton, WI, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a Radar Officer in Alaska. Royal completed his Master’s in Music Degree at the University of Indiana-Bloomington. He began teaching piano at the Mehus Conservatory in Bismarck with Belle Mehus and Karen Kelsch. In 1985, he opened Hopkins Piano Studio. His students received excellent ratings in state competitions. He served as organist and choir rehearsal accompanist at McCabe Methodist Church, Bismarck for over 30 years. Royal enjoyed a variety of activities… cruises, health resorts, walking, and “dog sitting” for friends. He had a great interest and skill in needlework: Hardanger (form of embroidery) and knitting. He made numerous new-born caps and prayer shawls. He is survived by his sister, Marian Olsen of Beloit, WI, whom he called almost every night in the past five years.   He is also survived by two nephews, Steven (Lauren) of Marengo, IL, and David of Madison, WI; and one great-nephew, Eric (Sarah) Olsen of Hampton, VA. Special thank you to Jane Morgan, the McCabe Parish Nurse, the staff of Touchmark, and many others who cared for Royal. Memorial donations can be made to the National Health Federation of CA.