Obituary: Lois (Koloen) (Bollingberg) Hopwood

Lois (Koloen) (Bollingberg) Hopwood

Jamestown, N.D.

Lois Hopwood, 87, Jamestown N.D., formerly Courtenay N.D., passed away on Dec. 17, 2021 at Eventide at High-Acres in Jamestown.

Funeral service was held on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021 at United Presbyterian Church, Jamestown, with burial at the Courtenay Cemetery, Courtenay, N.D.

Lois Ann Koloen was born Jan. 18, 1934 on a farm near Binford, N.D., the daughter of Albert and Myrtle (Hanstad) Koloen. She attended a country school through eighth grade and graduated from Binford High School. She continued her education at Mercy School of Nursing in Valley City where she graduated as a Registered Nurse. For the next 44 years, Lois was a healthcare professional, working primarily at City Hospital, New Rockford and completing her career at Prairieland Home Health, Cooperstown.

Lois met Noble Bollingberg from Fessenden, N.D. at a dance at the Rainbow Gardens in Carrington, N.D. They were married on Sept. 2, 1956 in Binford. They were blessed with three children: Leif, Beth and Del Mari. The couple lived near Erie, N.D. and later settled on a farm near Fessenden. Lois was involved in the farming operation, worked as a nurse, and was active in the Order of the Eastern Star, homemakers, church and her children's school activities. Noble died on Feb. 25, 1969.

In the spring of 1970, good friends arranged a blind date for Lois with Byron Hopwood. It was a perfect match and they married on Dec. 21, 1970, resulting in a move to Byron's farm near Courtenay, N.D.

She was involved in many community organizations including Royal Corinne Homemakers, Bible Study Club, Courtenay Barbecue Association and engaged in her children's numerous activities. She also spent countless hours as co-chair of the 1986 Courtenay Centennial History Book.

During retirement, Lois enjoyed spending time with her family, attending grandchildren's events and wintering in Surprise, Ariz. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. Lois continued the passion and proud traditions of her Norwegian heritage throughout her life, including lefse baking with all generations of her family.

In 2012, Byron and Lois moved to the Heritage Centre in Jamestown. Byron passed away on July 20, 2012. Lois continued to live at the Heritage Centre until her memory issues worsened, which led to her move to Edgewood Memory Care in the summer of 2017. As her Alzheimers progressed, with the need for more care, she transitioned to Eventide Special Care Unit in January 2019, where she resided until her death. Alzheimers never diminished her love of caring for others. Lois was a kind person with a strength throughout her life that continued until her very last breath. She was a fighter, but when Jesus came and took her by the hand, she followed.

She was a devoted Christian and a member of United Presbyterian Church of Jamestown. She was welcomed into heaven by her parents, her husbands, her brother Bruce, and her grandson Thomas.

She will be greatly missed by her children, Leif (Marcia) Bollingberg, Courtenay, N.D., Beth (Tim) Haugen, Fargo, N.D., and Del Mari (Kim) Runck, Alexandria, Minn.; her loving grandchildren, Grant, Ross and Dane Bollingberg, Nicholas and Adam Haugen, and Jessica and Spencer Runck; and 14 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, gifts of remembrance can be designated to United Presbyterian Church, Jamestown, ND or the Courtenay Cemetery Association.

Arrangements are in the care of Eddy Funeral Home, Jamestown.