POPKES, Murnice Lynn 1935 - 2000

POPKES, HUISMAN, KRULL

Posted By: K. Kittleson (email)
Date: 8/1/2007 at 23:35:46

Murnice Lynn Popkes was born on January 16, 1935 at George, Iowa, the son of Menno and Lizzie (Huisman) Popkes. He grew up on the family farm and was baptized at Bethel Reformed Church of rural Ellsworth, Minnesota. He attended country school and graduated from George High School in 1954. He joined the National Guard in 1957, and served one year of active duty in 1961 at Fort Lewis, Washington.

On September 1, 1961 he was united in marriage to Donna Krull, at Hope Reformed Church of George. He and Donna farmed at rural Ellsworth for 38 years. He was a member of Hope Reformed Church, serving as deacon and currently serving as an elder of the church. In the past, Murnice was on the board of directors of the East Lyon County Coop.

Murnice died unexpectedly, on Wednesday, March 29, 2000 at the Luverne Community Hospital, Luverne, Minnesota, from a massive heart attack,at the age of 65.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Donna of Ellsworth, Minn.; by five children: Wendy Leemkuil and her husband, Mark of Little Rock, Iowa; Dorene Chapa and her husband Kim of Ellsworth; Darrin Popkes and his wife, Nancy of Ellsworth; Gaylon Popkes of Ellsworth; and Dawn Meester and her husband Korey of Ellsworth. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Brian and Tyler Popkes, Paige and Cole Meester, and Megan Popkes, all of Ellsworth; Marissa, Maranda and Mariah Leemkuil of Little Rock, Iowa, and one brother, Wendell Popkes of Ellsworth.

Murnice was preceded in death by his parents, Menno and Lizzie; one sone, Merlyn Popkes; and one brother, Lammert Popkes.

Funeral services were held at Hope Reformed Church, George, Iowa, on Saturday April 1, 2000. Interment was at Hope Reformed Church Cemetery, George. Roste Funeral Home of Rock Rapids was in charge of arrangements.

Submitted by Sherrilyn Klaassen