Dorothy Koopmann

Dorothy J. Koopmann, 79,  of Little Falls, passed away  July 29, 2021, at Central Minnesota Senior Care in Little Falls. 

Funeral services were held August 5 at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls.

Interment was at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at Camp Ripley north of Little Falls.

Dorothy was born November 30, 1941 to Gilbert and Claudia Raschke, the second of three siblings. She was raised in St. Paul and graduated from Johnson High School in 1959. In her early adult life, she worked as a stenographer for the Minnesota Department of Conservation, where she met husband-to-be, Lester J. Koopmann (1926-2016) who she married in September of 1963 and with whom she would raise two sons, John (born in 1967) and Karl (born in 1975). Leaving St. Paul in the mid-1960s, Dorothy and Lester would establish homes in Spring Lake Park, Detroit Lakes and Moorhead, before settling in Little Falls. From an early age, Dorothy was deeply involved in the performing arts, from dance to theater to singing, but especially in instrumental music, on which she was ultimately to build her professional career. While many who knew her well will recall her spontaneously breaking into song. Dorothy’s strongest passion was playing the piano and organ, which became the centerpiece of her life’s work. This passion later led to the pursuit of a music degree at Concordia College, Moorhead, where she graduated in 1985 with highest honors.

The highlights of her career were her posts as organist at several churches over the years, most recently, St. Peter’s Lutheran in Randall. She was also very active as a piano accompanist in a wide variety of settings, including with community, school and church choirs across the state; stage/theater productions and with vocal and instrumental soloists. She devoted much of her life to the mastery of this craft and bringing her musical best to every service and function. Another significant facet of her career was that of educator, teaching private music lessons to countless students throughout her life. In addition to all her musical endeavors, Dorothy was also a devoted wife and mother. She was an avid gardener, loved the outdoors, caring for her dogs and enjoying crafts, including needlework and canning preserves from wild fruits. She will be remembered for the joy she brought to those around her by her infectious youthful spirit, her generosity, reverence and devout Christian faith.

Dorothy is survived by two sons, John and his wife, Cindy and Karl and partner, Jennifer Foote-Thomas; two granddaughters, Sarah Adair and husband Dylan,  and Anna Koopmann; great-granddaughter, Rebel Jane Adair and one brother, Paul Raschke.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband; parents and brother, Gerald Raschke.

           w33c  A00006B2021AU11