Marlene (Gerdes) Bopp, 84, of Columbia, Missouri was called to join her husband in eternity on April 23, 2024.
Marlene was born on May 24, 1939 to Charles and Audrey (Crabtree) Gerdes in Waterloo, Iowa.
At the age of 14, she began attending Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills, Alberta, Canada, returning her senior year to graduate from Cedar Falls High School in 1957.
She had many fond memories of the mini vacations her family took on the way back to PBI. They were able to visit the mountains and several national parks.
After graduation, she attended Moody Bible Institute, majoring in Christian Education. Her plan was to go on the mission field, but God had other plans.
She returned to Waterloo after the death of her father to help her mother with the day-to-day operations of Flowers by Audrey.
Marlene married Dr. Kenneth Bopp, June 12, 1965 at Walnut Street Baptist Church in Waterloo.
Along the journey with Ken, they moved to St. Louis, Jefferson City, Kansas City, and finally Columbia where she resided for 48 years.
She lived out 1 Peter 4:10, "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in various forms."
While living in Jefferson City, Marlene and her husband worked with the high school youth at their church. In Kansas City, she taught Sunday School and lead a Pioneer Girls group.
After moving to Columbia, she saw the need for weekly evening programs for children. So, she started the Pioneer Girls and Boys Brigade Clubs. Later she worked with the Awana program on Wednesday nights, even preparing the meal for the attendees at the church and a trailer park in town where they brought Awana to the community. She taught Sunday School, helped with VBS, and worked in the nursery. She has served on multiple church committees through the years from decorating to funeral dinners. She opened her home for baby and bridal showers, youth group gatherings and dinners. There were many Sundays that she invited families or college students home after church for dinner. When she saw a need, she served. When the church was looking for a new Children's Minister, she served as the intern Children's Ministry director. During that tenure, she implemented safety measures to ensure the protection of children and the church. She encouraged and created scholarships for training in Child Evangelism and set up Back Yard Bible Clubs. She stressed the importance of sharing the gospel with children and leading them to the Lord at an early age.
Marlene was an exceptional seamstress. She made and altered wedding dresses and clothing. She did hand embroidery and later machine embroidery. She made quilts. She used her talents while being a part of the Threaded Hearts Quilters and Piecemakers, where she made layettes and personal products for babies and teen girls in Congo and creating quilts for special projects including children residing at Coyote Hill Foster Care Home.
Marlene was a florist. She used these talents to make floral arrangements for the church, for family weddings, and funerals. She worked for many years in the floral department at Nowell's on Keene Street.
She was a faithful wife and mother. Always ready to lend a helping hand to her children and grandchildren and working alongside her husband on many projects. When her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, she stood beside him until the end.
Above all she was a prayer warrior, praying over her family and her church.
Marlene said, she wanted to go on the mission field, but God brought the mission field to her.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years and her parents.
She is survived by daughter Shelley (Matt) Hoffman of Siloam Springs, AR, son Ken (Jane) Bopp of Columbia, MO, brother A.C. (Susie) Gerdes of Hurst, TX, Sister-in-laws Sally Bopp and Nancy (Jim) Burmeister of Waterloo, IA, grandson Jonathan (Sarah) Hoffman of Conway, AR, Laura (Josh) Fritz of Siloam Springs, AR and six great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held May 11 at 3pm at Compass Evangelical Free Church in Columbia, MO. The family will receive visitors an hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Coyote Hill Foster Care Services at coyotehill.org or NWA Extra Mile in care of Ed Phillips at Freedom5one.com.