Donna M. (Fuller) Kopriva

Donna Marie (Fuller) Kopriva, 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at their winter home in Apache Junction, Arizona.

There will be a “Celebration of Life” for Donna at 11:45 AM, on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church parish hall for lunch and fellowship.

Also, for those wanting to attend, there will be a Rosary at 8:00 AM, Visitation from 8:30 – 10:00 AM, and a Memorial Mass at 10:30 AM.

Donna Marie, daughter of Harold and Irene Markey Fuller, was born on January 24, 1931, in Earlville, IA. She was the middle child of three to bless this union. They moved to Jesup where Donna spent the rest of her youth.

After the death of her mother, in 1941, she was raised by her father and stepmother, Gelia Fuller, eventually adding seven more siblings to the family. Her Aunt Gertrude Markey Estes shared in Donna’s upbringing.

Donna walked a mile to country school in Dewar, IA to attend first grade. She attended grades 2-12 in Jesup, IA. She was involved in drama, cheerleading, library teacher’s aide and graduated class salutatorian in 1948. When asked if she ever skipped school, she responded, “No, I loved school.”

Donna attended ISTC (UNI) obtaining a 2-year teachers’ certificate. In 1950-51 she taught at West Liberty, IA. While in college she met the love of her life, Hubert Kopriva, at the Newman Center in Cedar Falls. They were married June 6th, 1951, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic church in Clutier, IA. She taught in Parkersburg, IA for one semester after marriage while Hubert finished his college degree. They moved to Dysart, IA then Malcom for 1 year before ending up in Dike, IA 37 years.

Donna postponed her love of teaching for 17 years to be a stay-at-home mother of their 8 children. She was very active in keeping order in the Kopriva household. There was never a dull moment. When all the kids were in school, she went back to teaching 2nd and 1st grade at the Dike Community School for 22 years while working on her BA from UNI. She had a passion for working with children and touched the hearts of many.

After retirement in 1998 Hubert and Donna moved to Belmond, IA. She was an avid bridge player, enjoyed golf and was active in the community. She loved to read. Donna and Hubert would attend many dances, she danced until she was 93.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dike and St. Francis Xavier in Belmond.

Through the years they enjoyed traveling to many states and different countries. She loved the warmth and sunshine of AZ, while wintering in Apache Junction for the last 23 years.

She will be remembered by the way she could light up a room with her beautiful smile and her kind gentle ways. Family was important to Donna. She was a loving wife, mother, grandma, and great-grandmother to 8 children and their spouses, 19 grandchildren and their spouses, plus 40 great grandchildren. She had the patience of a saint and a heart of gold.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, stepmother, sister Wanda Curtis, brothers Hughie Fuller, Raymond Fuller, Ricky Fuller and Donald Fuller, brothers-in-law Alfred Kopriva, Robert Kriz and Vern Ensley, sisters-in-law Maxine Kopriva and Dixie Fuller and grandson Michael Robson.

Donna is survived by her husband of 72 years, Hubert Kopriva, Belmond. Children; Deb (Dennis) Sloth, Mark (Tami) Kopriva, Michael (Lora) Kopriva, Jane (Brad) Robson, Dave (Kristie) Kopriva, Tim (Juli) Kopriva, Diane (Kirk) Christensen, Bob (Jenny) Kopriva. Grandchildren; Ryan, Conni (Kory), Tyler (Shelley), Dylan (Susan), Levi, Jordan (Travis), Sarah (Andy), Nate (Nikki), Adam, Noah, Nick (Kelly), Joel (Tara), Kyle (Kenidy), Jace (Alex), Brad (Chelsey), Jake (Holly), Rachel (Jason), and Megan; 40 great-grandchildren. Siblings: Carol Ensley, Tony Fuller, Jenny (Tom) Perham, Neal Fuller. Sister-in laws Marjorie Kriz and Nan Fuller.

In lieu of flowers and customary remembrances, Donna’s family suggests that memorials can be sent to the donor’s favorite charity.