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George C. Hop

George Christian Hop, age 102, lifelong Baldwin resident died Friday, April 17, 2015 at the Baldwin Care Center.

George was born on December 19, 1912 in Baldwin; the son of Garret and Dora (Grotenhuis) Hop. He was raised in Baldwin where he attended the Baldwin Christian School. As a young man, he was drafted into the Armed Forces, where he proudly served in the United States Army. He served in the Signal Corps as a carpenter on the Hawaiian Islands during World War II prior to his honorable discharge. Upon his return, George founded his own carpentry business; one he excelled at until his retirement in 1979. Many homes and businesses of Baldwin were either built or remodeled by George. On April 9, 1947, he was united in marriage to Mary Agnes Geraghty at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Erin Prairie. To this union daughters Sharon, Darlene, and Linda were born. 

The Hop’s remained very close throughout life; all living within blocks of each other. Public service played a vital role in George’s life. He served on the Village of Baldwin’s City Council for seventeen years, many as president. He played a fundamental role in helping Donaldson’s and Fabritek come to Baldwin. He served several years on the Baldwin Fire Department as assistant chief and helped Baldwin get their first ambulance in the early 1950’s. He served on the Baldwin Area Hospital Board of Directors; the last four being Chairman. He has been an active member of the Baldwin American Legion Post and as a First Reformed Church Trustee. Furthermore, he served nearly 30 years on the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors. He enjoyed being on their building and highway committees, and was instrumental in helping initiate the 911 system for the county. George felt his greatest accomplishment was being a good Christian family man.

George will be fondly remembered by his daughters: Sharon Griffin (David Prissel) of Baldwin, Darlene (Steve) Kongshaug of Baldwin, and Linda (Jim) Gleason of Baldwin; grandchildren: Ryan Griffin, Sean Griffin, Jim Kongshaug, Angela (Adam) Thoen, Mary (Charles Youngquist) Gleason, Mike Gleason, and Bill Gleason (Chrissy Robinson); great-grandchildren: Maxwell Thoen, Melanie Thoen, Charles Youngquist, and Margaret Mary Youngquist; and sister, Aletta (Myron) Hesselink of Hammond. George was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; son-in-law, Richard Griffin; and siblings: Burton (infancy), Gerald Hop (twin brother), Gladys Olson, Magdalene Blok, Henrietta Vier, Harry Hop, and John Hop.

Funeral Services for George Hop will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, April 22nd at the First Reformed Church of Baldwin, with Pastor Tim Sluiter officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Hammond. George’s grandchildren have the honor of serving as his casket bearers. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church, and also from 4:00-7:00pm on Tuesday at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin. Memorials are preferred. 

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