Et cetera : 40th ANNUAL HOPPER FAMILY REUNION

The descendants of Jesse and Gertie Abernathey Hopper gathered for their 40th annual reunion on Sunday, July 29, 2012 in the fellowship room of the First Christian Church. The attendees and events at the first reunion held on August 26, 1973 were reviewed. The family members who had only missed 1 of the 40 reunions, Mona Hanson and Evelyn Covington, were honored as well as those family members who had attended more than half of the 40 reunions. Again, the Hopper family’s military connections over the years, beginning with William Franklin Hopper who served in the Civil War and continuing to those who are currently serving, were honored with displays of pictures and memorabilia. Attending were 56 family members and guests who also shared a delicious potluck luncheon. There are currently 187 living descendants of the above-named couple.

Ray Miller was recognized as the eldest family member present and Noah Byrne, 1 year old, as the youngest member. Rick Miller, Chile, and Deb Covington, Texas, traveled the farthest to attend the gathering.

Those present at the reunion were: Rick Miller, Santiago, Chile; Deb Covington, Rosenberg, TX; Phyllis Tilson of Kensett; Kurt and Judy Rogness of Marengo; Chad, Penny and Ella Bauer of Hiawatha; Mark and Terri Carter of Palo; Duane Covington of LaPlatta, MO; Nathan Covington and Beth Penton of Williamsburg; Mark and Lori Klein of Covington; Nick Klein of Waterloo; Amber, Addyson and Riley Covington of Altoona; Terry and Kayla Klein of Newton; Larry and Kathy Hopper of Toledo; Terry and Pam Hopper and Greg and Nancy Miller of Ft. Dodge; Dave, Susan, Alex and Emma Poplawski, Evelyn Covington, Becky Carter; Keisha, Miah and Noah Byrne, Jessie, Paula, Devan, Evelyn, Dietrich, Savannah and Timothy Purifoy and Floyd and Betty Long of Cedar Rapids; Jerry Covington, Ray and Leah Miller, Vivian Covington, Jack and Pat Hopper, and Dell and Mona Hanson of Vinton. Guests were Bob and Charlene George of Anamosa and Luke Green of Cedar Rapids.