Marlene (Kopper) Schmidt
Obituary
Marlene Martha Kopper was born August
2, 1938, in Van Nuys, California to Edward and Martha Kopper. She
passed away at age 77 on Sunday (July 10, 2016), surrounded by family
members.
Marlene attended Newton Grade School
through high school, graduating in 1956. In 1958 she earned an
Associate of Arts degree at Bethel College and then taught in the
McPherson County School system for several years.
On June 1, 1952, Marlene was baptized
and became a member of First Mennonite Church in Newton. She loved
playing the piano, excelling as an accompanist at church services and
for the church choir. Marlene also enjoyed directing the Junior Choir
and teaching Vacation Bible School at the church.
On May 27, 1960, Marlene married the
love of her life, Donald Schmidt. She and Don spent the next several
years in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she worked as a Medical
Stenographer. Following their return to Kansas, she became a stay at
home mother, raising their three children; Michael, Gregory and Lori.
Her children were her pride and joy and
she was a very faithful mother to them. Highlight experiences for
Marlene were going on shopping trips and coffee breaks with family
members and friends. Through the years, she greatly enjoyed the
presence of her dog, Billie, as well as her children's pets.
After the children left home, Marlene
attended Hesston College and earned an Early Childhood degree in
1988. She then taught preschool at several child care centers in
Newton. Later in life, as she loved to work with children, she
volunteered as a tutor in the local grade school.
She is preceded in death by her
parents, Edward and Martha Kopper; and infant brother, Richard
Kopper.
Marlene is survived by her husband,
Don; her children Michael of Stafford, Texas, Gregory of Newton and
Lori Schmidt of Salina; sister, Wanda Lowenstein and husband Hal;
brother-in-law, Lewis and wife Dorothy Schmidt; and many nieces and
nephews.
Viewing and visitation with family will
be Wednesday (July 13, 2016) from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Peterson Funeral
Home in Newton.
Burial will be 2 p.m. Thursday (July
14, 2016) at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton. The Life Celebration
service will be 3 p.m. at First Mennonite Church in Newton, with a
faspa/light meal following.
Memorial gifts may be made to the First
Mennonite Church Organ Fund or to Caring Hands Humane Society.
Condolences may be left at
www.petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com
