Mardella Kuper

Mardella Alice Kuper August 13, 1927 - November 5, 2024

Mardella Kuper, 97, of Freeport, formerly of Forreston, passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at Oakley Courts Assisted Living in Freeport. She was born August 13, 1927, the daughter of Jake and Alice (Buss) Fransen.

Mardella was a graduate of Shannon High School and attended Illinois State Normal University. She taught at Union Country School and also at the public school in Shannon. She married Alfred Kuper on August 17, 1949. She farmed with her husband their entire married lives. They were married 57 years until Alfred passed away in 2007. Teaching was always her passion. Mardella taught Sunday School at the Baileyville Reformed Church. Alfred and Mardella were lifelong members. She was a charter member of the Missionaires. Some of her best memories were going along on the church’s work mission trips. She attended Grace Fellowship Church with her family after her move to Freeport.

Her faith was the most important thing to her. She wanted others to know the Lord the way she knew Him because of how He changed her life. Mardella enjoyed writing letters, gardening and sharing her produce, mentoring school children, spending time with family celebrating birthdays and holidays, reading and journaling.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her two brothers, Emmerson and Richard, her husband Alfred and her son Allen.

She is survived by her son, Dean (Lisa) Kuper of Shannon, her daughter-in-law, Pam Kuper of Freeport, 5 grandchildren, Karen (Jason) Feldman, Kris (Tom) Fuchs, Kimbre (Tyler) Smice, Anna (Brexton) Flynn, and Leah (Ezekiel) Vandenburgh. There are 5 great grandchildren, Gavin (Tylor) Fuchs, Finley Feldman, Kyra, Kuper and Hunter Smice.

Memorials have been established for Baileyville Reformed Church and Grace Fellowship Church, PCA.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Friday November 8, 2024 at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home, Forreston. Funeral services 10:00 am Saturday November 9, 2024 at Baileyville Reformed Church. Rev. Jody Van Dyke and Rev. Justin Coverstone will officiate. A visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service. Burial will be in White Oak Cemetery, Forreston.