MYRTLE POPPLER, Obituray

JOPLIN Myrtle Victoria Poppler, 93, of Joplin died Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2002, at a Chester nursing home.

Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Saturday at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Joplin. Burial will follow at the Joplin Cemetery.

Myrtle was born Sept. 5, 1909, at Arvilla, N.D., to Peter and Marie (Costello) Bergan. She grew up in North Dakota and received her education there. She graduated from Crary High School in 1927. She had to refuse a music scholarship to university due to her mother's sudden illness. She became a care giver for the next few years. She traveled to Montana in 1929 when her sister became pregnant. During her stay at Joplin, Myrtle met Earl K. "Bud" Poppler. They were married in Havre on March 14, 1934.

They made their home in Joplin where Bud worked in the grain elevator business. In 1948, they purchased the Poppler farm north of town. They built a new home in Joplin in 1952. They sold the farm in 1965 and continued to make Joplin their home. They enjoyed their winter months in Nevada for more than 30 years.

Myrtle was raised Lutheran and was active in the Bethel Church during her life in Joplin. She was a loyal member of the church choir and ladies aid. She also served on the building committee during the construction of Kjos Hall.

She loved to play the piano and sing and enjoyed bowling, bingo, flowers, her favorite soap operas, reading in her quiet time and cooking.

Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Hillman, Palmer and Bernard; and sisters, Alvina, Victoria, Emma and Ruth.

Survivors include her husband; daughters, Erkle (Arlo) Howe of Dickinson, N.D., and Linda (Bob) Wehr of Rudyard; five grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and nephews and nieces.

Arrangements are by Rockman Funeral Chapel,