ROCHELLE — Lois Joanne Hopwood, age 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 7, 2024 at her home with her family at her side.  She was born on December 22, 1934 in Rochelle, the daughter of Milo and Edith (Berg) Jordal.  She married Richard L. Hopwood on November 28, 1953 in Lee, IL; he preceded her on September 23, 2014.  

Lois always had a deep love for music.  She began playing the piano at four years old and continued playing throughout her life.  Lois earned her degree in music and piano from Northern Illinois University and went on to have a lifelong career in music.  “Mrs. Hopwood”, as her students still refer to her,  began her career teaching music at Lincoln and Central Elementary schools for five years and then later accompanied the high school choir for ten years.   Lois also taught individual piano lessons out of her home and continued this until her retirement.  Lois loved all of her students dearly, especially the ones who practiced at home in between lessons. She could always tell!  In addition to teaching piano, Lois played at countless special occasions including weddings and funerals and could often be found playing piano just for fun at home in her downtime.

Lois grew up in and remained a lifelong member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Lee, IL.  After learning to play the pipe organ, she served the church as the organist for over 60 years.  She was a good and faithful servant of the Lord all of her life.  She blessed everyone around her with her giving spirit and unwavering trust in God through the good and tough times.  Lois was also a mighty prayer warrior for her family and friends.  

Lois was most grateful for her family.  Together she and Richard built a life they loved throughout their sixty years of marriage with family at the center of it all, because “family takes care of family”.  Lois is survived by her son, Michael Hopwood of Rochelle; daughter, Shirley Buck of Rochelle; brother, David (Lynn) Jordal of Rochelle; five grandchildren: Mark Hopwood of Byron, IL, Megan (Dale) Wells of Rochelle, Kristen (Michael) Worley of Stillman Valley, IL, Kathryn (Kip) Norup of Leaf River, IL and Matthew Buck of Rochelle; four great grandchildren: Kiara Sanchez, Hudson, Holden, and Hallie Worley and another expectant great grandchild on the way. 
 
In addition to her parents and husband, Lois is preceded in death by an infant brother, Edwin Jordal, brother, Marlin Jordal and son-in-law, Robbie Buck.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Lois’ caregivers who made it possible for Lois to stay in her home. Her caregivers had a special place in her heart and in ours for the support and sincere care they provided. 

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, April 12, 2024 at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Lee, with Pastor Martha Nelson officiating.  Visitation will also be on Friday from 9:00 - 11:00 A.M. prior to the funeral.  Burial will follow at the Union Cemetery in Steward, IL.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Calvary Lutheran Church or Serenity Hospice and Home.  Guest book at www.UngerHorner.com