Carol Jean Hooper

Carol Jean Hooper passed away March 3, 2023 at Providence Villa in Sebeka, MN surrounded by family and friends after a battle with cancer. She was 68 years old. Carol was born to Herbert and Betty (Konstad) Hooper on April 23, 1954 in Hibbing, Minnesota. She was very proud of her Ranger roots. She graduated from Hibbing High School in 1972 and then went to Hibbing Community College. After community college she attended St. Cloud State University to finish her degree in Elementary Education. Carol’s first teaching job was in Sebeka where she taught first grade for 38 years and retired in 2014. Hooper loved teaching, and her students were known as “Hooper’s Troopers.” Carol loved the school and community. She would be the first to support fundraisers for individuals, the school, or community. Over the course of her teaching career, she assisted with many after-school activities; taking tickets for events; and being a cheerleading advisor. “Hooper” was always there to help students, co-workers, and the administration wherever needed. In 1976, she was the first tenant at the Sebeka Riverview Apartments where she continued to live until just before her passing. At the apartment complex she was known to host holiday meals for whoever could attend. During her younger years Carol was always up for a road trip or playing pranks on friends. After retiring, Carol continued to help at the school as a substitute teacher; she helped provide volunteer rides; and spent time with family and friends. She always would support sporting events near or far, chaperone band and BPA trips, or go to the casino for a meal and some fun. She loved making her special mint treats for family, friends, weddings, and graduations where purple and gold were her favorite colors. Carol was an active lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. She cared deeply and spoiled many family and friend’s children over the years with Anna and Aiden being her godchildren and calling her Grandma. Grandma Hooper would stop whatever she was doing to be there for them. They were her pride and joy and were blessed to have each other. Carol was preceded in death by her parents Herbert and Betty Hooper. She is survived by her brothers: Ron (Beth) Hooper, Gary (Maryann) Hooper, Greg (Laurie) Hooper; nephews and nieces: Troy (Lori) Hooper, Todd Hooper (Katie Scott), Katie Hooper, Nikki Rose Skornshek Gibson, Ryan (Allysa) Hooper, Dillen Hooper, Dusten Hooper, and eight great nephews and nieces. Special lifelong friends: Mike and Sharon Heino (Mike, Molly, Megan, Mason, Eric, Heidi, Kenzie, Hudson, Griffin), Diane and Norm Pettis and family, Tom Komppa, Ross, Lisa, Anna and Aiden Meech, and many more fellow school staff and friends. Memorial Services will be held 5:00 PM Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at Sebeka High School in Sebeka, MN with visitation one hour prior to the service at the school. Inurnment will be in Hibbing, MN.