Josephine Hopfauf, 92, Dickinson, died Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at Country House Residences, Dickinson. Josephine’s Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Friday, August 10, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Fr. Keith Streifel as celebrant. Entombment will take place at Dickinson Mausoleum. Visitation will be on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, with a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m., with Deacon Dallas Carlson presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church.
Josephine Safratowich was born March 17, 1926 to Michael and Elizabeth (Zlebity) Safratowich. She attended grade school and graduated from high school in Belfield. Upon graduation, Josephine and her best friend traveled to Detroit, Michigan to find work during World War II at a military ammunition factory. Upon returning to Dickinson, Josephine worked as a secretary at Lehigh Briquetting Plant and later worked in the school lunch program at PS Berg Elementary.
Josephine married Hilary Hopfauf, Jr. on June 24, 1946 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Belfield and to this union three sons, Hilary, Patrick and Thomas were born. Josephine and Hilary made Dickinson home throughout their married life.
After retirement, Josephine logged many miles walking for exercise. She enjoyed many years working elections at the voting polls in Dickinson. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, a member of Christian Mothers, a Eucharistic Minister at church and ministered to the home-bound of the parish for 18 years, and also taught CCD to third grade students.
She was an avid camper, especially driving through Theodore Roosevelt National Park, with an appreciation for the park’s beauty and its wildlife. She loved sewing and making beautiful “heirloom” quilts for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends, and also donating many lap quilts to nursing home residents.
Josephine’s greatest joy were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she called the “great ones”. She spent her last years focused on them and always looked forward to spending time with them. They will miss her greatly.
Josephine is survived by her three sons, Hilary (Jeanette), Glendive, Mont., Patrick (Sandee), Missoula, Mont., and Thomas (Alesia), Dickinson; one brother, Mike Safratowich, Wadena, Minn.; she was blessed to have seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren: Paul (Amy) Hopfauf and their children Michael and Alex, Glendive; Pamela (Calvin) Dean and their children, Christopher and Elizabeth, Dickinson; Drew Hopfauf, Hawaii; Dillan Hopfauf and his children, Kaelynn and Jordynn, Missoula, Mont.; Carsen Hopfauf, Missoula, Mont.; Joshua (Emily) Raden and their children Joselie and Lucie, Dickinson; Jalynn (Casey) Feininger and their children, Kadence (Cole) Cruse and Kamryn, and Cayson, Watertown, S.D.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Hilary, on September 4, 2014; her parents; one brother, Laudie Safratowich; several of her half brothers and sisters; sisters-in-law; and brothers-in-law. The family is forever grateful for the care given to Josephine at the Country House Residence. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to Christian Mothers, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
