Ben Hopinkah, Naacge maaniga, age 73, passed away on July 6, 2023, at his home. Ben was born on
August 9, 1949, in Black River Falls, WI, to Benjamin and Lorraine (Decorah) Hopinkah.
Ben attended Milwaukee Area Technical College. He enlisted in the United States Army and completed
two tours, 1967-1969 and 1971-1972, in the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in October
His decorations include; the Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Air Medal,
Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.
He worked for Turtle Lake Casino in maintenance and was a recovery counselor at Ain Dah Ing, Inc.
Halfway House.
Ben was an avid Packer fan. He took pride in having a great lawn, his lawn was cut to his standard and
upkeep was always priority. He liked cruising here and there, he enjoyed sharing stories and offered
the best advice he could whether you wanted it or not, he was always willing to lend a helping hand
wherever and whenever he could, and he enjoyed having breakfast with close comrades. He will be
remembered for his quirky sense of humor and his unconditional love for his family.
Ben is survived by his children, Scott (Dawn) Hopinkah and Lynette Hopinkah. Nieces and nephews
Nehomah Thundercloud, Sara Dobbs, Scott Lowe, Eric Hopinkah, Lindsey Whitegull, Arielle Whitegull,
Nick Whitegull, Nolan Whitegull, Ian Whitegull, Ryan Decorah, Benjamin, Charles, Ty Rae Hopinkah,
Dylan, Ethan, Pricilla, Sohm, Candace Ringham, Alexis Thundercloud, Shana Walker, and Paul Krause.
His grandchildren, Lorraine, Lacey, Lucas, Jeffrey, Destina, Kaimery, Izzy, and three great
grandchildren. His siblings, Loretta (Steve) Hopinkah, Charles (Janelle) Hopinkah, Sr., and Marlene
Hopinkah.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Jeanette Hopinkah, Cheryl Hopinkah, Judith Ann
Thundercloud, Lori Rieder, and Harriet “Kitty” Hopinkah, along with other nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Ben Hopinkah will be held Sunday, July 9, at the Ho Chunk District One Community
Center, N7261 Warrior Avenue. Visitiation will be held from 10am until 11:45am, with interment at
Decorah Cemetery at noon. A meal will follow at the District One Community Center.
The Buswell Funeral Home is assisting the family, 715-284-2231
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