Stephen Major Hopkins, 70, of Esmond, IL passed away surrounded by his family, Thursday, November 27, 2014. Steve was born April 12, 1944 in Dixon, IL the son of Harold and Cleona (Stephens) Hopkins. He married Nancy McQueen May 23, 1964 in Esmond, IL. Steve had a passion for farming. He spent his life farming for 50 years. Throughout his life he was an active member of his community. He spent 13years on the RTHS School Board. He was an assistant fire chief with the Holcomb Fire Department. Steve also had served as a deacon of Elim Reformed Church. He loved watching his family at sporting events and showing cattle at the 4-H fair. Steve was preceded in death by his parents and brother: Robert.

Steve is survived by his wife: Nancy of Esmond; children: Teresa (Todd Smith) Hopkins of Rochelle, IL, James (Solveig) Hopkins of Lindenwood, IL and Jennifer (Jeff) Tompkins of Monroe Center, IL; grandchildren: Kyle (Nicole Kolin) Hansen, Mary Hansen, Emily Hansen, Doug (Emily Foree) Hopkins, Dylan Hopkins, Mark Hopkins, Luke Tompkins, Sydney Tompkins, Allison Tompkins and Cole Smith; sisters: Grace Ann Lloyd of Rochelle and sister-in-law: Marie Hopkins of Stillman Valley, IL and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be 10:00 AM, Monday, Dec. 1st at the Esmond United Methodist Church in Esmond, IL with Pastor David Rogula officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, Nov. 30 from 2-5 PM at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th Street, Rochelle, IL. Burial will be at Greenview Cemetery in Esmond. Memorials can be made to Serenity Hospice and Home, in Oregon IL. Online guest book at www.ungerhorner.com