Connor, Wilma G. Koppert

Wilma G. Koppert Connor, 93, of Cedar Rapids, passed away at home Monday, Jan. 2, 2012. A Funeral Mass will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday at St. Matthew Catholic Church, by the Rev. David Beckman and the Rev. Gerald Condon. Interment: Mount Calvary Cemetery. A rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday followed by visitation from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Surviving Wilma are  her three daughters, Sharon (James) Altorfer of Cedar Rapids, Ellen (Jim) Anderson of Overland Park, Kan., and Terri (Josh) Kovich of O'Fallon, Ill.; and eight grandchildren, Shelley (Kirk) Nelson, Kristine (Kyr) Gaganidze, Bobbi (Brad) Armould, Matthew (Michelle) Anderson, Allie Kovich, Sarah Kovich, Vincent Kovich and Lillian Kovich. Wilma is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, two sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; and son, Ronald, as well as her sister, Marie Forrest; and brothers, the Rev. Elias Koppert O.F.M. and Gordon Koppert.

Wilma was born Feb. 24, 1918, the daughter of Joseph and Lillian (Buhrow) Koppert in Marshalltown, Iowa. Wilma graduated from St. Patrick's High School in Cedar Rapids and remained devoted to the St. Patrick's community all of her life. Wilma was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church for over 50 years and served many years as a member of St. Cecelia's Circle. In her later years when living at Keystone Cedars, she was noted for leading the rosary every Wednesday evening for members of the Keystone community.

Wilma had many diverse hobbies and talents ranging from fishing to cooking, sewing and knitting. In her early years she enjoyed spending time at the family's summer home on the Mississippi boating, fishing and gardening. In later years, she devoted her time and talent to making handmade rugs, sewing and knitting and rooting on the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Wilma modeled strength and compassion, always finding the silver lining in each day. She was a loving mother and wife, daughter and sister. She will be missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Matthew Building Fund.

The family thanks the staff at Keystone Cedars and Iowa Hospice for the loving care given to their mother.

Online condolences may be sent to    under obituaries.

Published Jan. 3, 2012, in The Gazette