Gail Hopfinger

Gail Hopfinger (71) passed away Friday, September 30, at Mother Joseph Manor in Aberdeen, SD.

Gail Seppala was born February 26, 1951 in Estelline, SD. Her parents were Edwin and Ruby Seppala. She graduated high school in Hayti, SD in 1969. After graduation, she studied business at Northern State College and graduated in 1973 with a degree in Business Administration with emphasis in accounting.

On May 19, 1973, Gail married Randolph “Randy” Hopfinger in Hayti, SD. The two made their home in Aberdeen, SD where Gail worked as an office manager in the Accounting Department for Midcontinent Cable before becoming a stay-at-home mom. She served the local MS chapter and was also on the school board for the Aberdeen Christian School in its early stages.

Gail took great pride in her two children, Scott and Sara, and made sure they got to experience the world regardless of her MS diagnosis. She liked to bake, play Scrabble, and can stewed tomatoes. She enjoyed drinking Coke and watching The Price is Right, and in her years at Mother Joseph Manor, she enjoyed sitting in the sun and spending time with her friend, Karen.

Gail’s faith in Jesus was very important to her; she was strong and resilient with a fun sense of humor. Her family was her pride and joy; especially her grandchildren.

Grateful for having shared Gail’s life are her Son, Dr. Scott (Carisa) Hopfinger and daughter, Sara (Wayne) Weischedel; grandchildren: Hamilton Hopfinger, Corbin Hopfinger, Cadence Weischedel, and Drake Weischedel; siblings: Jaqueline (Lon) Nagel, Vicki Belkonen, and Craig Seppala (Mina Bull); and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Gail in death are her husband, Randy Hopfinger; father, Edwin Seppala; mother, Ruby Seppala; niece, Annika Nagel; and brother-in-law, Jim Belkonen.