ATWATER
Leonard W. Hoepner, age 84, of Atwater, died unexpectedly, Monday evening, May 8th, at his home.
Funeral service will be held at 11 A.M., Friday, May 12th, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Atwater with Rev. Daniel Belgum-Blad officiating. The interment will be in the Union Cemetery in Atwater. Visitation will be from 5-8 P.M., Thursday at the Atwater Funeral Home and at the church one hour prior to the services at the church.
Leonard William Hoepner was born on August 6, 1921, in Wood Lake, Minnesota, the son of Ida (Todt) and Carl J. Hoepner. He grew up in that area, was baptized and confirmed at St. Johns Lutheran Church and attended country schools in the Woodlake area. On January 7, 1942, he married Blanche Emma Adolphsen at the lutheran church in Echo. They made their home and farmed in the Wood Lake area until 1947 when they moved to Atwater. Leonard owned and operated Hoepner Transfer Company from 1947 until 1968. In that same year they opened the Hoepner Tavern in Atwater and they operated that until 1972. Leonard continued driving truck for several different companies. They bought a lunch wagon and they operated that at auctions until their retirement. He enjoyed wintering in Texas, Arizona or California. Leonard also enjoyed woodworking, fishing and gardening.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Blanche Hoepner of Atwater, one son, Delvin "George" (and Linda) Hoepner of Atwater, one daughter, Marlene (and Brian) Wittman of Lake Lillian and daughter-in-law, Nancy (and Dale) Olson of Belgrade. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and one brother, Douglas (and Dorothy) Hoepner of Woodlake, besides other relatives and friends. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, one son (Wayne C. Hoepner) and granddaughter-in-law (Edye Hoepner)