Donna was born on February 29, 1952 to Eugene and Edna Cropp, as one of eight children. She grew up on a small farm near Cook, Nebraska.
After high school, she moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where she worked for the State of Nebraska in the State Capitol building. A short time later, she met her husband, John, through their mutual friends Steve and Beth Hollon. On May 26, 1973, John and Donna were married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lincoln. The union resulted in four children, which eventually led to ten grandchildren.
Throughout her life, Donna held several different jobs, but her ultimate joy in life was always family. She had an artistic passion that led to craft making and painting. She loved to make special Christmas ornaments for her family, jewelry for her granddaughters, and rosary’s for her church. The common thread was that she chose to share the things she made.
Although she was not one for camping, she immensely enjoyed the beauty of the world. She loved to watch birds, immerse herself in flower gardens, and visit waterfalls. She and John took many trips across the country on the back of a Harley motorcycle. They also went on an Alaskan cruise that provided lasting memories.
Her greatest pride and joy were her grandchildren. She was present for every concert, ball game, sacrament, and extracurricular activity. She had a close and personal relationship with every grandchild, taking particular interest in whatever they loved.
She obtained comfort and strength from her Catholic faith, knowing that God was by her side to guide her. She actively participated at St. Patrick Church in Gretna, NE making many close friends or “church family”.
She is survived by her husband, John Kopf; children, James (Angela) Kopf, Christopher Kopf, Tina (Joshua) Hatchell, and Joseph (Cindy) Kopf; grandchildren, Kyla, Ava, Jacob, Leo, Krista, Gabriel, Logan, Kaitlyn, Alora, and Alexander; siblings, Bill (Carolyn) Cropp, Betty Behrens, Peggy (Darwin) Jones, Judy (Frank) Wenciker, Charles (Susan) Cropp, Mary Hyland, and Tom (Brenda) Cropp; many other nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.
