Raphael "Ray" J. Koopman

Raphael “Ray” J. Koopman, 89 years of age, 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 in survived by his wife, Beverly, of 65 years; 3 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; 3 sisters, Dorothy Carlton of Torrance, California, Florence Swain of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Jane Kucera and husband Wally of North Platte; and 7 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; great-grandson, Easton Vonderschmidt; 2 sisters, Imelda Koopman, Marjorie Koopman; 2 sisters and 1 brother in infancy; 2 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. Hall Funeral Chapel in Falls City is in charge of arrangements.

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