Laurie A. Hooper

After a courageous three-year battle with cancer, Laurie A. Hooper, age 65, of Hibbing, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home on Friday, September 18, 2026. Laurie was born on March 28, 1961, in Hibbing to Richard Hill and Judith Maras. She graduated from Hibbing High School with the Class of 1979. After graduation, Laurie began working at her family’s bar, Big Nick’s Homer Bar, in Hibbing, where she spent her whole career. In 2001, following the passing of Big Nick, she took over operation of the Homer. In 2013, she took ownership of the bar from her mother, Judy. Laurie continued the family tradition and became a familiar and beloved part of the Hibbing community. She fulfilled her biggest wish of always keeping the bar in the family, which we will continue to honor moving forward. Laurie was an excellent cook and loved bringing her family together. She hosted countless holiday and Sunday dinners, creating many cherished memories around the table. She was also a talented baker, making countless batches of cookies, banana bread, and Robert Redford dessert. Laurie enjoyed fishing, online shopping, and playing Facebook’s Slotomania Slots, but above all, her family was the most important part of her life. She deeply loved her husband, children, and grandchildren and treasured the time she spent with them. Laurie is survived by her loving husband, Greg Hooper; children, Nikki Rose Gibson, Ryan (Alyssa) Hooper, Dillen Hooper, and Dusten Hooper; siblings, Jody Kay (John) Juntti, Nick (Nancy) Hill, and Rosie (Bob) Greenwood; grandchildren, Zoey Hooper, Ceelie Gibson, Channer Gibson, Zaiden Hooper, Laynah Arnberg, and Rayah Arnberg; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, cousins, relatives, and friends. Laurie will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her memory will live on through the many lives she touched and the countless memories she created with her family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm, Saturday October 3, 2026, at Big Nick’s Homer Bar in Hibbing.