Et cetera : 39th ANNUAL HOPPER FAMILY REUNION

The descendants of Jesse and Gertie Abernathey Hopper gathered for their 39th annual reunion on Sunday, July 31, 2011 in the fellowship room of the First Christian Church. 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, memorabilia and conversation. Attending were 52 family members and guests who also shared a delicious potluck luncheon. There are currently 186 living descendants of the above-named couple. Ray Miller was recognized as the eldest family member present and Noah Byrne, 3 weeks old, as the youngest member. In keeping with the theme, family members with current military connections were recognized as well. Those present at the reunion were: Mark and Terri Carter of Palo; Greg and Nancy Miller and Christofer, Rebecca, Michael, Allan and John Summers of Ft. Dodge; Phyllis Tilson of Kensett; Dwight and Gena Miller, Jaime and Jarod Downs of LaPorte City; Steve and Taylor Bauer of Brandon; Duane Covington of Rutland; Nathan Covington and Beth Penton of Williamsburg; Randy and Miranda Sellers of Hiawatha; Mark and Lori Klein of Covington; Dave, Susan, Alex and Emma Poplawski, Evelyn Covington, Jeremy, Keisha, Miah and Noah Byrne, Jim, Vickie and Amanda Covington, Jessie, Paula, Devan, Evelyn, Dietrich, Savannah and Timothy Purifoy and Floyd and Betty Long of Cedar Rapids; 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.