Norman Lee Hoopingarner

Norman L. Hoopingarner, 95, of Sioux City, died Thursday, June 8, 2017, at his home, surrounded by his family.
Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Boniface Catholic Church. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, with the family present 5 to 7 p.m., and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Larkin Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home.
Norman Lee Hoopingarner, the son of Steven and Ruth (Quail) Hoopingarner, was born June 29, 1921, in Sac City, Iowa. He graduated from Central High School in 1939.
On Feb. 10, 1941, Norman enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during World War II. He was a Heavy Mortar Crewman, served in northern Africa, and took part in the landings at Algiers, Africa and Anzio, Italy. Norman received many awards, including the Bronze Star, Bronze Oak Leaf, and a Combat Infantry Badge. He also served a time as President Eisenhower’s personal bodyguard. Norman was honorably discharged in 1945. After his service, Norman attended Morningside College to receive an English degree.
On July 9, 1947, Norman was united in marriage with Georgetta Fisher. In 1949, Norman began working at the Sioux City Journal, where he remained for 39 years. He retired as a District Manager in 1986.
Norman was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church. He enjoyed golf, RV travel, and just about any activity that involved the Missouri River, including canoeing, camping, and duck hunting.
Norman is survived by his wife, Georgetta; five children, Norman Jr. (Vickie) of Sioux City, Jeffrey (Cheryl) of Sioux City, Sally (Gus) Nelson of LaPorte City, Iowa, Lisa (David) Cline of Sioux City, and Tom (Sherry) of Sioux City; 25 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; three siblings, Jean DePuy of Oregon, Mary Fitch of Ohio, and Ruthie Schenzel of Oklahoma.
He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Henry Graham; great-grandson, Jaxon Vondrak; and sisters, Verla Camerer, Marguerite Cardwell and Ramona Tyler.
The family requests that memorials be directed to St. Boniface Catholic Church.