Velma Irene Koopmans

| November 17, 2022 12:00 AM

Velma Irene Koopmans went home to Jesus early on the morning of Nov. 10. She was 86.

Velma Irene Ohlfest was born on Dec. 23, 1935, in Valparaiso, Ind., to Alma Wiemuth Ohlfest and C. Earl Ohlfest. She was the youngest of five children.

She attended Momence High School in Momence, Ill., graduating in 1953 with honors, and was the president of her school’s National Honor Society. She married John Sydney Koopmans, April 3, 1954. A year later, daughter Susan was born. The family moved to San Diego, Calif., where son Kenneth was born.

Velma worked as an executive secretary while her husband was working for JPL. They opened John Koopmans TV together and she put her energies into helping run the business. Through the years, she and John blessed several churches as they served in music ministries. She was an accomplished pianist and organist.

Velma was very devoted to learning about health and was a Melaleuca distributor and trainer for many years. She enjoyed having church friends over for dinner, and frequently, card games were loudly enjoyed. Velma and John moved to Oregon in 1980 and then to Montana in 1996. She was a member of Grace Bible Church in Bozeman, where cherished friends will miss her.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents, Alma and Earl, her sister, Helen, her brothers, Arthur, Charles and Robert, and great-granddaughter Taylor.

She is survived by her husband, John; their children, Susan (Steven) of Myrtle Creek, Ore., and Kenneth (Sherry) of Polson; six grandchildren, Karen, Joseph (Amy), Timothy (Keri), Daniel (Natalie), Minden (Steven), and John. Also surviving are 11 great grandchildren.

The family will hold a private service when traveling is easier, next year.

If so inclined, may we suggest a memorial offering to Grace Bible Church, 3625 S. 19th Ave., Bozeman, MT 59718, or a donation to your local animal shelter.

Messages of condolences may be shared online with the family at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com. Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.