Wendell Popkes

Little Rock, Iowa Wendell Popkes, age 78 of Little Rock, IA died Friday, October 7, 2011 at the Sanford Hospital in Rock Rapids, IA. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 10th at Bethel Reformed Church, rural Ellsworth, MN with Rev. Matt Miller, officiating. Burial will follow in the Bethel Reformed Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 4:00 " 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 6:00 " 8:00 p.m. at the Jurrens Funeral Home of George. Wendell Murnice Popkes was born March 31, 1933 in George, Iowa, the son of Menno and Lizzie (Huisman) Popkes. He graduated from George High School in 1951. Wendell worked for Swalve Produce for a time and then started farming. He continued farming up until the time of his death. Farming and his family were the things that were important to him. He will be remembered by his nieces and nephews for his love and devotion to them. He always had a child on his lap and loved to tease and play with all of the kids. His willingness to help his family out will always be remembered. He is survived by two sisters-in-law, Jeanette Popkes of Sheldon, IA and Donna Popkes of Little Rock, IA; nine nieces and nephews, Dean (Nelvina) Popkes of Sibley, IA, Dennis (Linda) Popkes, David (Ruth) Popkes, all of Sheldon, IA, Randy (Teresa) Popkes of George, IA, Wendy (Mark) Leemkuil of Little Rock, IA, Dorene (Kim Joe) Chapa, Darrin (Nancy) Popkes, Gaylon Popkes, and Dawn (Korey) Meester, all of Ellsworth, MN; and special friend, Thelma Van Briesen of George, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Menno and Lizzie Popkes; two brothers, Lammert and Murnice Popkes; and nephew, Merlyn Popkes.