BEN HOPINKAH NAACGE MAANIGA

BEN HOPINKAH NAACGE MAANIGA

     Ben Hopinkah, Naacge Maaniga, 73, passed away July 6, 2023, at his home. Ben was born Aug. 9, 1949, in Black River Falls, WI, to Benjamin and Lorraine (Decorah) Hopinkah.

     Ben attended Milwaukee Area Technical College. He enlisted in the United States Army and completed two tours, 1967-1969 and 1971-1972, in the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in October 1972. His decorations include; the Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Air Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal.

     He worked for Turtle Lake Casino in maintenance and was a recovery counselor at Ain Dah Ing, Inc. Halfway House. 

     Ben was an avid Packer fan. He took pride in having a great lawn; his lawn was cut to his standard and upkeep was always priority. He liked cruising here and there; he enjoyed sharing stories and offered the best advice he could whether you wanted it or not. He was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever and whenever he could, and he enjoyed having breakfast with close comrades. He will be remembered for his quirky sense of humor and his unconditional love for his family.

     Ben is survived by his children, Scott (Dawn) Hopinkah and Lynette Hopinkah; nieces and nephews Nehomah Thundercloud, Sara Dobbs, Scott Lowe, Eric Hopinkah, Lindsey Whitegull, Arielle Whitegull, Nick Whitegull, Nolan Whitegull, Ian Whitegull, Ryan Decorah, Benjamin, Charles, Ty Rae Hopinkah, Dylan, Ethan, Pricilla, Sohm, Candace Ringham, Alexis Thundercloud, Shana Walker and Paul Krause; his grandchildren, Lorraine, Lacey, Lucas, Jeffrey, Destina, Kaimery and Izzy; three great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Loretta (Steve) Hopinkah, Charles (Janelle) Hopinkah, Sr. and Marlene Hopinkah.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Jeanette Hopinkah, Cheryl Hopinkah, Judith Ann Thundercloud, Lori Rieder, and Harriet “Kitty” Hopinkah; along with other nieces and nephews.

     Funeral services for Ben Hopinkah were held Sunday, July 9, at the Ho-Chunk District One Community Center, N7261 Warrior Avenue, Black River Falls. Visitation was held from 10 to 11:45 a.m., with interment at Decorah Cemetery at noon. A meal followed at the District One Community Center.