Alma Koop

Alma “Frances” Koop, age 98, of Aplington, Iowa, was born the daughter of Arnold J. and Myrtle M. (Kizer) Whitson on November 23, 1923, in Ozark, Arkansas. She graduated from Ozark High School. After graduation, Frances moved to California and worked at Consolidated Aircraft Factory, where she met her future husband.
On March 11, 1944, Frances was united in marriage with Reinhart Koop in San Diego, California. After Reinhart entered the military service, Frances moved to Ackley, Iowa, and lived with Reinhart’s parents. When Reinhart was honorably discharged from the service, the couple moved to Geneva, Iowa, where they farmed. They later moved to a farm near Kesley, Iowa. In 1986, the couple retired from farming and moved into Aplington.
Frances attended the Presbyterian Church in Kesley. She enjoyed word search puzzles, collecting cardinals, and doing jigsaw puzzles. She also enjoyed trips to Branson to attend the music shows. Frances’ greatest joy was spending time with her family.
Frances died Sunday, November 28, 2021, at Franklin General Hospital in Hampton, Iowa. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Reinhart in 1998; a son, Kenneth Koop; a daughter, Nadine Busse; four brothers, Coleman, Edgar, John and Rayburn Whitson.
Frances is survived by a daughter, Carol Koop of Aplington; a son, Jakie (Terri) Koop of Aplington; a daughter-in-law, Donna Koop of Aplington; a son-in-law, Gary Busse of Maquoketa, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Michelle Houlgrave, Michael Koop, Jennifer Busse, Kurt (Kris) Busse, Jason (Cia) Koop, Cory (Lynicia) Koop and Christopher Koop; ten great grandchildren, Liam and Calvin Houlgrave, Sebastian Pritt, Juliana Pell, Hunter Busse, Isaac and Chloe Koop, Lydia, Kaden and Blake Koop; one brother, Cletis (Ruby) Whitson of Ozark, one sister, Barbara (Ernie) Garbiso of Ozark; and one sister-in-law, Mary Ann Whitson of Colorado.
Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m., on Friday, December 3, 2021, at Austinville Christian Reformed Church, in Austinville, Iowa. Rev. Frank Pott officiated the service. The organist was Stefanie Abkes and she accompanied the congregation as they sang “In The Garden” and “Old Rugged Cross”. Burial will be at Pleasant View Cemetery in Aplington, with Jason Koop, Cory Koop, Christopher Koop, Kurt Busse, Michael Koop, Isaac Koop, Jerry Orr, Sam Pritt, Liam Houlgrave and Calvin Houlgrave serving as Casketbearers.
Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, at the Redman Funeral & Cremation Services – Aplington Chapel in Aplington, and one hour before services at the church. Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com