Kathryn Jean (Gunderman) Koopman, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, choir director, teacher, church mom, and friend, joined the saints in the early hours of June 13, 2024. She has, no doubt, been asked to pick up the director's baton for the choir by now (the Minnesota Lutheran chapter, in any case). She passed away peacefully at home, in Laredo TX. She turned 90 in March.

Kathryn lived a full life. Born the oldest of seven children on March 9, 1934, in Fulda, MN, she took on the typical oldest child duties of large, midwestern families, teaching her siblings many life skills, no doubt; though none so memorable nor important as 4-part harmony. After a brief courtship, and only 18 years old, she married Vernon Koopman on December 26, 1952, while he was home on a brief furlough from the Air Force. Their first child was born in Germany, where Vern was stationed during the Korean War, in 1954. They were together for over 61 years, until his passing in June 2014.

While she left home at a young age to begin her own family, she continued the important work of training the family in fine arts. She was a longtime member of the Ortonville, MN based chapter of the Sweet Adelines, and sang in popular women's quartets in the region as well. She was active and skilled not only in vocal music and piano, but also quilting, drawing (even earning an art scholarship at one point), theater, and writing. You can find all of these skills scattered amongst her children, grandchildren, and beyond, in no small part because of her diligence in prioritizing them.

Her faith remained a rock for her family throughout her life, as service to the church communities they participated in marked every step of the Koopman's life journey. She served as both choir director for her churches, and children and youth coordinator when needed, even putting together youth plays, often on a volunteer basis. She made sure her children knew the Bible, and the hymnal. As with music, active church service is a prime legacy marker.

We wish there was more time. We wish there was one more visit, one more hug, one more card game, one more quilt for a wedding or baptism. But she has been ready, and we rest knowing that she is at peace, in the loving arms of her Savior, and preparing to teach The Lord Bless You and Keep You, in her style, to all the choirs of heaven.

Kathryn is reunited with husband Vernon, her parents, Lorence and Ada Gunderman, her siblings Alan, Janet (Bouman), and Ivan, and all those gone before. She is lovingly remembered here on earth by her nine children, 25 grandchildren, 49 (and counting) great-grandchildren, as well as three siblings and their families.

Viewing will begin at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish, SD. From there, we will meet at 10:30 AM in order to proceed to the Black Hills National Cemetery for an 11:30 AM burial ceremony. Flowers and notes will be lovingly accepted at the Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish.