Linda Ann Hopkins Hanhart

Linda Ann Hopkins Hanhart, age 76, passed away peacefully at home on May 6, 2026. Linda was born in Milbank, SD on September 17, 1949, to John Irving and Anna Iola Hopkins. She had a long and full life. Linda graduated from Wilmot High School and attended college at Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. She lived there for several years, and she had several interesting jobs there, bartending, working for the county, helping run a seed and feed business, among others. She made several dear lifelong friends over college and in her years in Aberdeen. Linda returned to Wilmot and worked manufacturing bedding at Dakotah. She was respected and well liked and through her hard work, ultimately managed the Wilmot factory, then moving to Webster, SD, managing the factory there.

After a few years, Linda moved to Watertown, SD, where she opened and managed a factory that manufactured rainwear called Wessex. Linda was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Watertown, SD. She served in turn as Elder, Treasurer, and Clerk of Session. It was through the church that she met the love of her life, Chuck (Karel) Hanhart as he was seeking a sponsoring church for his journey to Seminary. Linda was also seeking a new career at this time in computers. She and Chuck married in Watertown on November 27, 1993, blending their two families.

Linda completed her associate’s degree in computer programming, graduating from Northeast Iowa Community College, Peosta, IA, in May of 1995. She began her programming career in Dubuque, IA. As God led Chuck in his path of ministry, in each new town Linda was a sought-after programmer by the Insurance Companies. She was hired in significantly more challenging positions, growing in her career. She ultimately retired as a Program Manager and Systems Analyst at Liberty Mutual in one of their highest positions. After retirement, Linda enjoyed returning to her love of sewing. She made several beautiful projects for family, including baby quilts for all her grandchildren. She was also very active with sewing projects for various missions in Wisconsin. Linda was loved as she connected easily with others through her love, humor, and care.

Linda is survived by her husband, Chuck (Karel) Anthony Hanhart; her brother and sister-in-law Wayne Hopkins and Diana Paulsen; brothers and sisters in law: Ann and Wilfred van der Straaten, Mark Hanhart, and Pauline Ruitenberg; daughters and sons: Melissa Ann Hopkins, Liesl Johanna and Seth Wietgrefe, Melissa Renee and Benjamin Aschebrook, Michael Paul Hanhart, and Benjamin Leever; her grandchildren: Adelaide Wietgrefe, Gretchen Wietgrefe, Cora Wietgrefe, Patrick Aschebrook, and Taylor Aschebrook; nieces and nephews: Doug, Sheila, John, Lori, NiNi, Hally, Jessica, David, Jennifer, Maxime, Sebastiaan, Sophie, Maurits, and Josephine; and several great nieces and nephews. Linda was preceded in death by her parents: John and Iola Hopkins; her mother and father in law: Karel and Johanna Hanhart v/d Grampel; her sister in law: Lynne Hopkins; her sister and brother in law: Joe and Florence Hoff; her aunts and uncles; and several cousins.

Visitation and the funeral will be held at Northminster Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis, 1660 Kessler Blvd E Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46220, on Monday, May 18, 2026; the funeral will be at 11 AM with the visitation preceding it starting at 9 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Humane Society or the Northminster for their mission work.