Mary Rita Koopman

Mary Rita Koopman, age 97, of Garnavillo, IA, died Monday, April 27, 2015, at the Guttenberg Care Center. Mary Rita was born on May 20, 1917 to her parents Herman Jr. and Anna (Hoeger) Berns on the home farm in National, Iowa. She received her education at St. Josephs Catholic School in Garnavillo, Iowa. Following her eighth grade graduation, she stayed home to help care for her siblings on the farm. She was married to Herbert Koopman on November 18, 1936, at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Garnavillo, He preceded her in death on February 23, 1979. One of her greatest loves was spending many hours and many years at St. Josephs Quilters. These quilts were donated to the mission. Over the years, Mary found time to enjoy square dancing, travelling, reading, quilting for the family, caring for her aged mother and sister and having card parties with the neighbors. Marys family was very important to her. She truly cherished the gift of being a mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother. Those left to cherish her memory are her four children, David (Mary) of Postville, Fr. Dennis OFM of Countryside IL, Joan (Jim) Kampschroer of Wausau, Wis and Jerome (Carolyn) of Garnavillo; ten grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren; one sister, Sister Rachel Berns OSF of Dubuque, one sister in law, Mary Jane Eulberg of Garnavillo and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sons, John and James in infancy; five sisters, Sister Marcella Berns, Isabella Bortscheller, Teresa Schnepf, Ann McTaggart and Eunice Berns; three brothers, Sylvester, Benedict and Cyril Berns.In Lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to benefit an organization that Mary faithfully contributed to for so many years. Memorials may be made to: Franciscan Friars Retirement Fund, 3140 Meramec St. St. Louis, MO, 63118.Click here to view a Video Tribute for Mary Rita KoopmanVisitation: Thursday 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. April 30, 2015 at the Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home Garnavillo, Iowa and one hour before service at church.Funeral Service: Friday 10:30 A.M. May 01, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church Garnavillo, IowaInterment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery Garnavillo, Iowa Service Information A service summary is not available