Ladonna M. Koppein

LaDonna M. Koppein passed away on September 23, 2023, at the age of 92. She was born to William and Ida Hyle on February 1. 1931, in Herrington, KS. Being just a few days old, she traveled by train with her parents and her brother, Vernon, to Freeport, IL, to take up residence with her grandparents.

As a young child she attended South Side School. She graduated from Freeport High School with the class of 1949.

After graduation she married Jim Kehl. Together they raised three children, Deni, Deb, and Jim. They also farmed alongside each other in Stockton, Winslow, and Warren, IL areas. Upon retiring from farming they moved to Freeport, where Jim became a Freeport Police Officer, and LaDonna began her career in the insurance field. She became proficient in her trade while working at Corn Belt and General Casualty Insurance Companies. She eventually landed in the Personnel/Insurance Department at Micro Switch, where she assisted countless fellow employees with their insurance needs for over 30 years. Jim and LaDonna eventually divorced, and LaDonna became friends with Bob Koppein. Bob introduced to her to golf, and encouraged her to join a ladies golf league, which opened up a whole new world for her. They married, and together they enjoyed life traveling and golfing until Bob’s untimely death just six months after their marriage. LaDonna then turned her interests to quilting. She was a member and past president of the Country Crossroads Quilt Guild. She enjoyed taking part in “Shop Hops” and Quilting Bee’s. LaDonna made may beautiful quilts over the years, donating some to charity fundraisers. She was very proud of the fact she presented six of her grandchildren, and her son, queen size quilts as their wedding gifts. As her eyesight began to fail, she held a ‘Going out of Quilting Sale” where she dispensed her beautiful fabrics, supplies, and sewing machines, then donated much of her proceeds to charitable organizations.

LaDonna is survived by her children and their families, Deni & Tim Hotek; their family, Amanda, Mike, & Hannah Burnett; Melissa, Jesse, Theo & Mitch Linebaugh; and Granddaughter Kora Lynn Hotek. Deb & Gene Brinkmeier; their family, Jen, Chris, Oliver, Ethan & Leo Petta; Nate, Jody, Alden, Max, & Drew Brinkmeier; and Adam, Brooke, Ty & Mallory Brinkmeier. Jim & Monica Kehl Jr; their family, Jared, Pons, Jayden and Elyssa Kehl.

She is predeceased by her parents, William & Ida Hyle, her brother and sister-in-law, Vernon & Pauline Hyle, both of her husbands, and her grandson Spencer Hotek.

LaDonna was a small but mighty woman, often referred to as “Little Bit”. She has beautiful eyes, a kind, gentle smile, and a big heart always ready to help those in need.

“May you Rest in Peace Mom-you will forever be in our hearts.”

Visitation will be at 9:30 am, Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Harmony United Methodist Church, 2600 West Pearl City Road, Freeport, IL. Funeral service will follow at 10:30 am, with Pastor Eddie Eddy officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Voices of Stephenson County.