Gary Hooper

Gary Hooper Life Tribute Video

Gary Leon Hooper, 78, of Fargo, North Dakota, passed away peacefully and into the arms of his loving Savior on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Gary was born on March 13, 1947, in Long Beach, California, to Cecil Leon Hooper and Dorothy Vivian (Green) Hooper. He grew up in Long Beach until he was 12, when his father passed away in 1959. His mother then moved with Gary and his siblings, Gail Raylene and Ronnie Franklin, to Breckenridge, Minnesota, where they continued to make their home near Dorothy’s extended family.

Growing up in Breckenridge, Gary worked for various local store owners and faithfully saved his earnings, eventually accumulating enough to pay for his first year of college. He attended the public schools in Breckenridge. In high school, he participated in cross country and track and field, earning his varsity letter in those events, an accomplishment which brought him much pride. He went on to graduate in 1965.

That fall, Gary moved to Minot, North Dakota, to attend Northwest Bible College. He worked for Burlington Northern and Great Northern Railroads to support himself while in school and graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion.

In his last year of college, Gary met Melodee Renae Finch. Though they did not date at that time, Gary knew in his heart that one day he would marry her.

After graduation, Gary moved to Alaska with a college colleague, where he first made his home in Anchorage. He worked at the airport transporting airline crews between hotels and their place of work. He also helped ministries and assisted in building churches in both Anchorage and Fairbanks. While living in Fairbanks, he had the opportunity to work on the Alaskan Pipeline and spent much of his remaining time in Alaska working in that industry. Between pipeline jobs, Gary continued his involvement with various ministries, serving wherever there was a need.

In 1984, Gary moved from Alaska to Seattle and soon began to pursue Melodee, the love of his life. They were married in 1985 and shared 40 beautiful years together.

Gary and Melodee moved to Manhattan, Montana, to begin their first pastorate in 1986. While there, they welcomed their son, Nathaniel Leon Hooper, born in 1987. Leaving Manhattan, they moved to Bowdle, South Dakota, to begin their second pastorate, and in 1996, they relocated to Fargo, North Dakota, where they served at Family Worship Center for 21 years, retiring in September 2017.

Gary had a deeply compassionate heart and a genuine love for people. He found joy in spending time with others—listening, encouraging, praying with them, and sharing Scripture to bring hope and comfort during difficult times. His greatest desire was that others would come to know the same love and grace of Jesus that had transformed his own life. That same heart of service carried into his later years at Sanford Hospital, where he worked in the Central Supply Department. Gary took great pride in his work and loved connecting with people—nurses, doctors, housekeepers, and co-workers alike—treating everyone with kindness and respect. His attention to detail, strong sense of responsibility, and genuine care for others reflected the integrity and faith that guided him throughout his life.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Melodee Renae (Finch) Hooper of Fargo, North Dakota; their son, Nathaniel Leon Hooper, and his wife Whitney (Strouse) Hooper of Fargo, North Dakota; and their two cherished granddaughters, Lilliana Mae and Dalia Lee, who brought him immense joy and pride.

He is also survived by his sister, Gail Raylene (Hooper) Anderson and her husband Tom Anderson of Fargo, North Dakota. Gary was an uncle to Franklin Hooper and Ryan Hooper, and a great-uncle to Franklin’s two sons and daughter and Ryan’s daughter. He also has numerous cousins located around the state of North Dakota.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Cecil Leon Hooper; his mother, Dorothy Vivian (Green) Hooper; his brother, Ronnie Franklin Hooper; and his sister-in-law, Sharon (Harris) Hooper.

Gary will be remembered as a man of deep faith, unwavering integrity, and boundless compassion. His life was marked by his love for God, his devotion to his family, and his heart for people. Whether in ministry, at work, or simply in everyday moments, Gary sought to reflect the kindness and hope of Christ to everyone he met. His gentle spirit, his laughter, and his steadfast faith will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him. Though he is deeply missed, his influence lives on through the many lives he touched and the love he so freely gave.

A Memorial Service for Gary will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, October 18, 2025, in Calvary Fargo, 4575 45th St S, Fargo.

Interment will take place at a later date.

(Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN)