A tribute to Ray Hoppe from his son-in-law and granddaughter

I want to share a message from those who could not be with us at Ray's funeral, but who love him dearly. This is the message they sent to Loren:

"Since that first Thanksgiving in 1995 when Loren brought me to Linda and Jim’s home to be part of the celebration and meet his family till last October when Ray and Jean came to see the new farmhouse in Northfield, Ray’s inquisitive eyes and quiet smile always made me feel welcome and part of the family. I have many fond memories of times spent at the dinner table or in the living room talking about the little I knew about farming or comparing how it was done in Spain and in Minnesota. He was always keen to know my opinions on the changing weather and climate, on geology or environment. He always found something happening in Crookston he thought it would be interesting to me. Once, it was a woodcarving project, another time the new prairie restoration project up in the ridge or a visit to the Polk county museum with Rosemary. I am also a farmer’s son and I enjoyed listening to what was happening with the harvest, or how crop prices were going up or down.

I was coming from a foreign land and culture and I never felt anything else than being at home whenever I was with Ray and Jean. And I could see the same “feeling at home and with the family” expression our daughter’s eyes. I particularly treasure the time my parents traveled from Spain to Minnesota and came up here to meet Loren’s family. My father Daniel and Ray, two farmers from two very different worlds met. They could not speak the same language, and I wondered how many hours could have they talked about their experiences?. They have had the same worries about how to make a living from a harsh and unforgiving environment, how to raise a family with love and respect, in a changing world. I guess they did not need to talk with words to understand and respect each other. Both transcended words and speak with their actions.

In that very first day before I met Ray, many years ago, Loren advised me not to talk religion or politics with his father. And it may seem I had followed his advice all these years. But I realized I did not … and neither Ray did. Loud and clear, without words, he made me feel at home in his world, he included me and my family, without hesitation, always respectful, welcoming and inquisitive…and … is not that what religion and politics are all about?. Thanks, Ray; you knew how to make unnecessary those talks. I am very fortunate and proud to be part of your family."

And this is from his granddaughter:

"Some of my favorite memories of Ray are during our meals in Crookston. Waking up every morning, climbing down from my room on the second floor, and eating a homemade breakfast of cinnamon rolls and scrambled eggs. Grandma and Grandpa always got up before me. At the table, we’d talk about our day, how we slept, when we’d be back to see them… It felt special and it was. Whenever Ray talked to me, he’d smile."