Darlene M. Kopp

Darlene M. Kopp, age 88, of Lancaster, passed away on Monday, September 29, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 5, 1937, at home in Paris Township, the daughter of Joseph and Eva (Frazier) VanNatta. Darlene attended country school. On August 1, 1952, she was united in marriage to Richard W. “Dick” Kopp in Platteville. After their marriage the couple farmed in Platteville and Highland. In 1965, they moved to Beetown where Darlene raised her family of twelve children and also worked at Ray O Vac in Fennimore. Richard preceded her in death in 1999. She enjoyed watching Westerns, jigsaw puzzles, flowers and fishing.

Survivors include her children: Linda Brandemuehl, Naples, FL, Vickie Burggraf, Lancaster, Susan (Mike) Oyen, Fennimore, Cindy Schneider, Dubuque, IA, Terry (Denny) Maahs, Cassville, Richard Jr, (Mary) Kopp, Stitzer, Marvin (Anna) Kopp, Ozawaki, KS, Larry (Debra) Kopp, Perry, KS, Karen (Al) Heister, Hazel Green, Liz (Stuart) Abing, Lancaster, and Mike Kopp, Lancaster; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; her siblings: Darrell “Gus” (Jean) VanNatta, Platteville, Vada “Skippy” Ellefson, Janesville; in-laws: Joyce Gehrke Reiter, Platteville, Brenton Martin, Lancaster, and Arlene VanNatta; other relatives and many friends.

In addition to her parents, her mother and father-in-law, and her husband Richard, Darlene was preceded in death by a son in infancy, a son, Melvin in 2023, a grandson, Jamie Kopp, brother, Verlin VanNatta, son-in-law, John Brandemuehl, brother-in-law, Earl Gehrke, and sisters-in-law: Betty (Milton) Place and JoAnn Martin.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Kramer-Grau Funeral Homes & Crematory in Lancaster with Pastor Mark Hoehne officiating. Burial will be in Burns Cemetery, Beetown Township. Family and friends may visit on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home and on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.