Fred Hopka Hawkins, Sr. Apr 30, 1927 Jul 24, 2015 Fred Hopka Hawkins, Sr., was born on April 30, 1927 to Kenneth and Josephine (Hopka) Hawkins. Fred married Tish (Patricia Gardiner) in 1948, and together they had three children: Fred Jr., Susan, and Kim. Fred married Patricia Hiber Morocco in 2001. Fred had a stellar career in the Omaha area. He co-founded Hawkins Construction Company after graduating from the University of Nebraska, where he played football for the Cornhuskers. Hawkins Construction became one of the top contractors in the United States. Hawkins Construction Company has built miles of interstate, bridges, airports, and hundreds of buildings in Nebraska and surrounding states. Fred served on many civic, business, and foundation boards. He was honored with a doctorate degree and membership in the Nebraska Hall of Fame. He was awarded two honors from the University of Nebraska: the Business Leadership Award and Entrepreneur of the Year. Fred also received an honorary doctoral degree from Bellevue University. Fred loved Omaha. In 1999 he was named to the Omaha Hall of Fame by the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, an award of which he was most proud. Fred had a passion for life. Some of his fondest memories were his days with his grandparents in Blue Hill, Nebraska. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and model airplane building. As Pops he kept up with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved their home in Florida where he and Pattie wintered. They golfed, swam, and enjoyed a glass of wine together at sunset. Fred is survived by his devoted wife, Pattie, and his three children: Fred Jr. (Marianne), Susan (Howard) Katelman, and Kim (Karen); grandchildren; Kathryn, Patricia, Michael, John, Joseph, Kim Jr., Chris, and Andrea; and eleven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Josephine, his first wife, Tish, and his sister, Sadie. The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 28th, from 6pm to 8pm at the West Center Chapel. SERVICES Wednesday, July 29th at 10:30am at Dundee Presbyterian Church. Private Interment, Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Memorials in Freds name can be made to UNL Athletic Football Program and Bellevue University.
HEAFEY-HEAFEY-HOFFMANN DWORAK & CUTLER Mortuaries and Crematories 7805 West Center Road Omaha, Nebraska 68124 (402) 391-3900
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