Gary A.C. Hopkins, age 72 of Rhinelander, died April 22, 2012, at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born on April 13, 1940, in Antigo, Wisconsin to Fayette and Betty (Holmberg) Hopkins. Gary attended school in Antigo and then ventured to California and graduated from San Diego High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Roswell, NM and Fairbanks, AK. He was honorably discharged in 1964. Settling in Milwaukee, WI, Gary worked as a welder at Harnischfeger and retired as a certified welding inspector in 1996. He married Barbara Bernsteen (nee Grant) in 1986 and they resided in Milwaukee until 1996 when they moved to Rhinelander. Gary especially loved outdoor activities like hunting and camping. He also enjoyed reading, remodeling houses, and extensive traveling. Always up for a road trip and an adventure, he and Barbara would often visit family and friends all over the country. His loving demeanor, calm presence, and quick smile were a treasure to all that knew him. Gary is survived by his wife, Barbara Hopkins of Rhinelander; his two sons, Gary W. (Sarah) Hopkins of Oshkosh, WI and Philip (Corinne) Hopkins of Weston, WI; four step-daughters, Loralee Bernsteen of Minot, ND, Lynda Bernsteen of Folsom, CA, Lisbeth Fritz of Los Angeles, CA, and Lenna (Wayne) Kircher of Arvada, CO; a step-son, Lex (Anette) Bernsteen of Stevens Point, WI; 19 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; three sisters, Merilean Young of Antigo, WI, Shirley Spychalla of Appleton, WI, and Betty (Richard) Krohn of Rhinelander; two brothers, Patrick Hopkins of Antigo, WI and Allen (Rosie) Hopkins of Nichols, WI; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Faye Wolf and Phyllis Young; a brother, Lee Hopkins; and a brother-in-law, Leonard Spychalla. A memorial service for Gary will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 27, 2012, at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church with Rev. Norman Peterson officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 26, 2012, at the Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414 / www.carlsonfh.com) and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the church. Private inurnment will take place in Forest Home Cemetery.
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