Layne V. Hopkins

Layne Victor Hopkins, 86, passed away on Friday, October 3rd, following complications from heart surgery. Layne was born in Boone, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents Wilson and Arlene Hopkins, and his six siblings, Luella, Lyle, Lynn, Leona, Linda and Teri.

At 14 Layne moved to Tulare, South Dakota, to live with his sister Luella and her husband Glen Otto to help on their farm. While attending Tulare High School he excelled at football, basketball, track, and academics. Layne learned about the value of education from his father-in-law Harold Kloss. After graduating from Tulare High School in 1957, he went on to earn a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Mathematics from Dakota State University. Layne began his teaching career at the high school in Springfield, Minnesota. Layne returned to school to earn a Master’s Degree from University of Utah and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) from Pennsylvania State University.

In 1971, Layne joined the computer science department at Mankato State University in Minnesota. Layne held various positions at MSU and facilitated the merger of the upper and lower campuses. Layne was passionate about education. He collaborated with teachers at several high schools in southern Minnesota to bring technology to rural communities and created a partnership with IBM Rochester that enabled his students to intern at a world class technology firm. Layne loved working with his students and hearing about their career achievements over the years. Layne retired as a Professor Emeritus in Computer Science.

After retirement from MSU, Layne worked with the City of Mankato to create Technology Plus, a center for advancement of computer science and technology incubator.

Layne was very generous, helping those who needed support and mentoring. He loved everything about farming, horses, and fixing old tractors. He enjoyed visiting South Dakota to see friends and the Black Hills, and attending his grandson’s swim meets.

Layne will be dearly missed by his beloved wife of 65 years, Karen Hopkins (Kloss). He is also survived by his daughter Ranae Lacey, her husband Peter Lacey and his grandson, Parker Layne Lacey. Layne is also survived by his sisters-in-law Faye Miller of Fairmont, Patrice White of Davis, California, and Luzanne Martin (husband John) of Woodland, California and many nieces and nephews.

Gathering and visitation will be 2:00-4:00pm Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary.