Obituary and Funeral Information

Daniel Wayne Hopkins, 62, of Grand Rapids, MI passed away on Wednesday, December 9th 2020.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Laura and their five children Nicholas, Ashleigh Jordan, Jacob, Brittany Gallup (Jeffrey), and Caitlin as well as his grandchildren Paige, Penelope, Maelynn and Marshall. He is preceded in death by his parents, Calvin and Mary Hopkins.

Dan was a Godwin High School graduate, class of ‘76. His work ethic and commitment to provide for his family was second to none, taking all types of jobs, often simultaneously, to ensure that the needs of his family were always met. Among those jobs, Dan worked for twenty years as a journeyman printer. For the past 8 years he owned and operated Carrier on Call, a mortuary transport business which serves the Kent County Medical Examiner as well as many funeral homes in West Michigan. With this business, he had the honor of working alongside many of our community’s first responders, which brought him great joy and pride. Dan made friends out of strangers and family out of friends. Law enforcement officers, doctors, nurses, security guards, waitresses, mechanics, bank tellers, neighbors all have a story to share about Dan. No relationship was insignificant. His favorite phrase, “I love you,” was frequently spoken, even to coworkers. Whether it was a box of donuts, a cup of coffee or a new ink pen, Dan believed in the power of small gestures. He used these “signature” gifts as ice breakers or tokens of gratitude, always finding ways to bring people closer to his open arms. Dan loved quality time with family, hunting with his brother David and close friend Rick, motorcycle rides, playing in pool leagues and going for late night coffee. As a charismatic storyteller, he never felt embarrassed to show the world who he was. He lived to serve others, never keeping score of the thousands of favors he doled out. 

Dan proudly claimed that his wife was the prettiest girl in the room, bragging that he “married up” to anyone who would listen. His dedication to his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, direct family and in-laws resulted in a very large, tight-knit family which was his greatest pride and will remain his greatest legacy. In everything he did, Dan embodied the question he so often asked,“Do you know how much I love you?” 

To ensure everyone’s safety, in-person funeral services will be held with limited attendance. Arrangements for the visitation and funeral are being handled by Gerst Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Church on Burton this Monday at 1pm with a burial to follow at Resurrection. Though capacity limitations are in place, the church has offered to arrange for a live stream. A link will be provided on this care page for any who wish to attend virtually. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Mel Trotter Ministry in Dan’s honor would be much appreciated as we head into these cold winter months ahead. We plan to schedule a large Celebration of Life gathering once conditions allow and look forward to hearing all of the stories you may have of our favorite guy.