Koopman, Elaine Esther (Schultz) 1919-2007

SCHULTZ, KOOPMAN, VOIGTSCHILD, CUMMINGS, TEN HAGEN

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/26/2008 at 19:32:17

Elaine Esther Schultz was born on July 28, 1919, in Waseca, Minnesota, the daughter of Delbert and Della Voigtschild Schultz. She attended grade school in Beacon, Iowa and resided in Oskaloosa, Iowa during her early years with her mother, Della and step-father, Amos Cummings.

Elaine later moved to Pella, Iowa where on March 3, 1937, she was united in marriage with James Eugene Koopman, the son of the late Gerrit (Dutch) and Bess Ten Hagen Koopman. To this union three children were born: Sherrie Ann, Sandra Kay and Gary Eugene.

Following their marriage Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy and Elaine and Jim lived the majority of their married life in Pella. During her lifetime Elaine was employed at various places and for a period of time she and her husband Jim, who was better known then as "Potty", owned and operated a bait shop near the Des Moines River.

Jim passed away on August 26, 1992, at the age of 74 years. Following his death Elaine continued living at Prairie Village in Pella and for the last year and a half was a resident at the Westridge Manor Nursing Home in Knoxville, Iowa. Elaine made many lasting friendships during this time.

On Monday morning, February 5, 2007, she passed away at the Pella Regional Health Center in Pella at the age of 87 years, 6 months and 7 days.

Those who will cherish her memory are her three children and their spouses and 8 grandchildren.

Elaine's family has grown to include 20 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren. Of her original family she leaves one sister, Rosie Whipple of Oskaloosa, Iowa; a half-brother, Richard Cummings of Marion, Iowa; and a sister-in-law, Betty J. (Koopman) Schippers of Pella.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, James E. Koopman; her mother and step-father, Della and Amos Cummings; her father, Delbert Schultz; and a sister, Betty Whipple.

Elaine was affiliated with the First Baptist Church in Pella. She enjoyed fishing, bowling, playing cards, bingo and traveling.

For those desiring memorials may given for the Pella Community Foundation.

The Pella Chronicle, March 9, 2007