03/15/2000
Funeral services for Thelma Lucille (VerSteeg) Popma, 87, of Knoxville, who died March 15, 2000 at the Kavanagh House in Des Moines, Iowa of Cancer, were held March 18 at Williams Funeral Home in Knoxville. Rev. Steven Kowbel officiated at the services.
Burial was at Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville. Music was provided by organist, Jim
Kidder and vocalist Katie Davis. Casketbearers were Jeffrey Burnett, Todd Burnett,
Dean Dingeman, Craig Johnson, Ryan Robuck, Kenny Sutter, and Curtis Underwood. Honorary
bearer was Scott Burnett.
Thelma was born October 1, 1912 in Marion County, the daughter of Cornelius and
Nellie (Koopman) Ver Steeg. She attended and graduated from High School in Knoxville
in 1929. Thelma began working at Bellamy Telephone Company in Knoxville.
On July 29, 1934 Thelma was united in marriage to Paul G. Popma in Lancaster, Missouri.
She enjoyed her life as a mother and housewife. She was a wonderfu4 cook who especially
enjoyed making pies. Thelma was also a very accomplished seamstress. She was a member
of the Faith Baptist Church in Knoxville.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Paul G. Popma; two brothers; Nick
and Cornie Ver Steeg; and six sisters; Gertrude Vande Kamp; Nellie Croll, Elizabeth Alice Caukins, Jane (Marie) Van Hemert; Maude Thornburg, and Cleo Swartz and a grandson
Scott Burnett.
She is survived by three daughters; Jana Brower-Havel, Prairie City, Judith A. Burnett,
Knoxville, and Darla Robuck of Pleasantville; seven grandchildren and II great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Faith Baptist Church or Hospice of Central Iowa-Knoxville.
Arrangements were made by Williams Funeral Home in Knoxville.
Journal-Express, Knoxville, IA24 Mar 2000-5A