Le Mars, Iowa – Bernice G. Koopman, 86, of Le Mars, Iowa passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 24, 2017 at her home. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at All Saints Catholic Parish – St. James Church in Le Mars, Iowa. Father Bruce Lawler and Father Matthew Solyntjes will celebrate Mass. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars. Visitation with the family present will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 28, 2017 at the Mauer – Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars. There will be a Rosary by the Catholic Daughters at 4:00 p.m. with a Scriptural Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to Mass on Saturday.

Bernice Gertrude Koopman was born on November 26, 1930 in Mapleton, Iowa to Eugene and Mary (Schleis) Anthony. Her family moved to a farm in the Le Mars area when she was a young girl. She graduated from St. Joseph Catholic School in Le Mars in 1949.

On August 12, 1952, Bernice and Mark Koopman were united in marriage at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Le Mars. Together they made their home on a farm after Mark served his country during the Korean War. Along with helping on the farm and raising her family, Bernice worked for Dr. Fisch, Vander Meer Bakery and at the Iowa Liquor Store in Le Mars.

She was an active member of All Saints Parish and was a collection counter, Eucharistic Minister and delivered communion to shut-ins for many years. Bernice also volunteered at Gehlen Catholic School and Meals on Wheels. Bingo was one of her favorite past times along with flower and vegetable gardening and playing cards. In earlier years, Bernice and Mark loved to dance, made trips to the lakes and traveled throughout the United States and Europe. One of her greatest joys was attending her children’s and grandchildren’s activities.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Doug Koopman and Steph Quah-Koopman of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Kim and Darrell Hargens of Le Mars, IA, Denny and Shelley Koopman of Alta, IA, Keith Koopman and special friend Deb Swift of Le Mars, IA and Scott and Marla Koopman of Le Mars, IA; grandchildren, Tyler (Kayla), Lexi, Rachel (Jake), Zach, Kersey, Nicole, Matt, Ky (Maddie), Kelsey (Aaron); great-grandchildren, Claire and Braylon; a sister, Helen Langel of Norfolk, NE; sisters-in-law, Darlene Koopman, Marlys Koopman, Joanne Anthony and Vonnie Anthony all of Le Mars, IA; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Mark on June 11, 2015; a daughter-in-law, Kelly Koopman; a sister, Eileen “Toots” Langel; brothers, Albert “Babe”, Elmer, Leonard “Baldy”, Donnie and LaVern; and sisters-in-law, Helen Anthony, Syb Anthony, Harriet Goerdt, Esther Schnepf, Sylvia Koopman and Phyllis Koopman; brothers-in-law, Victor Langel, Marcel Koopman, Les Koopman, Wayne Koopman, Al Goerdt, Elmer Schnepf, Delbert Koopman and Elwood “Bud” Koopman.

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