Raphael “Ray” J. Koopman, 89, of Falls City, Nebraska passed away Sunday, August 12, 2018, in Falls City. He was born on April 15, 1929, in Le Mars, Iowa to Emil and Angeline (Kemp) Koopman.
Ray graduated from Gehlen Catholic High School in Le Mars, Iowa. He served in the Army National Guard of Iowa from June 16, 1948, to April 7, 1955. Ray married Beverly Heyl on June 2, 1953. He was employed by Good Morning Mills in Le Mars, Iowa until he began his career with the Gambles Store in 1960. While with Gambles, they made their home in Yankton, South Dakota, Falls City, Algona, Iowa, Spencer, Iowa and back to Falls City in 1969. He then managed the Elks Club for 15 years before retiring and working at Sunmart. Ray was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, ABC Bowling Association, Elks Lodge, Chamber of Commerce, American Legion and former president of the Lions Club. He enjoyed playing cards, fishing, gardening, hunting, bowling, the casino, the Huskers, the Royals and especially spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ray is survived by his wife, Beverly, of 65 years; three children, Jean Hodge and husband Mark, Jerry Koopman and wife Laura, all of Falls City, Carla Bachman and husband Alan of Bentonville, Arkansas; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Dorothy Carlton of Torrance, California, Florence Swain of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Jane Kucera and husband Wally of North Platte; and seve nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; great-grandson, Easton Vonderschmidt; two sisters, Imelda Koopman, Marjorie Koopman; two sisters and one brother in infancy; two brothers-in-law; and nephew, John Swain.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, August 18, 2018, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Falls City with Father Cole Kennett and Father Thomas Dunavan officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date. A register book will be available to sign from 9 AM to 5 PM Friday, August 17, 2018, at Hall Funeral Chapel in Falls City. A rosary will be held at 6 PM Friday, August 17, 2018, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Falls City with the family greeting friends following the rosary. Memorials are suggested to the family’s choice in care of the mortuary. Condolences may be left online at www.hallfuneral.net. Hall Funeral Chapel in Falls City is in charge of arrangements.
