- Gloria Ann (Steckley) Koopal was born on December 18, 1935 to Adolph and Elsie (Drury) Steckley in Geddes, SD. She graduated from Geddes High School in 1954 and was united in marriage later that same year to John Koopal on June 8th at the United Methodist Church in Geddes. They began their life together farming in the area and raising a family. Gloria took pride in being a farmwife and mother, lending a hand helping on the farm. Harvest was her favorite time of year.
Gloria was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church. Some of her favorite pastimes were reading, putting together puzzles, completing word finds and sewing. She enjoyed tending to her garden - canning what she grew, square dancing and playing cards. Gloria loved attending rodeos supporting her grandchildren.
Grateful for having shared in Gloria’s life, her three children: Rhonda (Duane) Pedersen of Platte, SD, Tim Koopal of Mitchell, SD and Sandra (DuWayne) Bialas of Parkston, SD; seven grandchildren: Nathen Pedersen, KayCee (Duke) Buffington, Troy (Barb) Bialas, Tyronne (Emily) Bialas, Travis (Gina) Bialas, Trent (Becky) Bialas and Tyler (Brianna) Bialas; 12 great grandchildren; a brother, Leonard (JoAnn) Steckley of Geddes, SD; a sister-in-law, Helen Mesman of Platte, SD; a brother-in-law, Jim Wesseling of Parkston, SD; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Gloria was preceded in death by her husband, John Koopal (1999); her parents, Adolph and Elsie Steckley; a sister, Shirley Steckley; two sisters-in-law: Anna (Gene) Vanderheiden and Bernice Wesseling; and a brother-in-law, Harlan Mesman.
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1935 - 2019 (83 jaar)
