Donna K. Koperski
Tuesday, July 28, 1942
Date of Death:
Thursday, April 5, 2018
Age:
75 years old
Tuesday, July 28, 1942
Date of Death:
Thursday, April 5, 2018
Age:
75 years old
Tuesday, July 28, 1942
Date of Death:
Thursday, April 5, 2018
Age:
75 years old
Donna K. Koperski
Donna Kay (Baumler) Koperski, 75, of Rochester passed away peacefully at Cottagewood Senior Communities on Thursday, April 5, 2018 with her children by her side. She resided there for a year and a half.
Donna was born July 28, 1942 on the family farm in Burr Oak, Iowa to Martin and Esther (Schott) Baumler. She grew up with eight brothers and sisters. As a young girl, she attended one room country school and graduated from Canton High School in 1960. She married Ronald Koperski and they later divorced. Donna worked at Mayo Clinic, retiring in 1999 from the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Donna enjoyed music and attending concerts, (including seeing Buddy Holly in the winter of 1959), taking road trips, and gathering with family and friends. She loved going back home and walking in the woods where she grew up. Donna was a member of St. Pius Catholic Church and her faith was an important part of her life. In earlier years, she taught religious education, volunteered at her children’s school and took classes at RCTC. Donna had an easy-going nature and was loved by many. She will be greatly missed. Blessed be her memory.
Donna is survived by her three children; Lonnie Wickman of Rochester, Daniel Koperski (Cindy) of La Crosse, WI, and Jane Koperski -Briggs (Randy) of Rochester. She leaves behind her grandchildren Brennan, Sean, Tanner, Kaytee, Eli, Katya and great-grandchildren Noah and Ella.
Donna is also survived by two brothers; Floyd Baumler of Rochester, MN; Arlan Baumler (Karen) of Zumbro Falls, MN; and two sisters, Diane Schmelzer (Paul), of Ridgeway, IA; and Sharon Wiltgen, of Gaylord, MN.
She was preceded in death by her parents Martin and Esther; her daughter, Robin; her brothers, Virgil and Larry Baumler; and sisters, LaVonne Gehling and Elaine Brynsaas as well as some nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass to celebrate her life will be offered on Saturday, April 14th at 11:00 a.m. at the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester with the Rev. Thomas A. Loomis officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery at a later date.
The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Cottagewood Senior Communities as well as the compassionate staff at Heartland Hospice who helped her complete her journey.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Donna K. Koperski has received the following condolences.
I can't begin to tell you how much I will miss Donna. I met her when we both worked at the CAD - Central Appointment Desk at the Mayo Clinic. She had such a wit about her and she seemed like she had some secret of how to get thru life gracefully. Even though she was a single mom with 3 kids she always kept it together. Her children were so nice and she raised them well. I knew family meant everything to her. After I left the Clinic and moved to the cities we always kept in touch and I always looked forward to her annual Christmas letter.
I know Donna is at peace now and we will meet again. God Bless you Donna.
My deepest sympathy to Donna’s family.
Donna was a great friend and classmate to all in the Canton High School class of 1960. It was a joy to see Donna and her daughters at our 50th class reunion.
I will always remember Donna as a happy, always smiling girl who helped me time and again with my home work studies.
Peace