Jerelyn “Jeri” Lee Popke, 81, of New London, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, Aug. 27, 2021, at ThedaCare Hospital in Appleton. She was born Aug. 13, 1940, in Shawano, daughter of the late Harry and Beatrice (Sperberg) Sperberg.
Jeri graduated from Shawano Senior High School in 1958, where she was a cheerleader and member of the National Honor Society. She then attended UW-Stevens Point in 1965 and was a member of Tau Gamma Beta, Sigma Tau Delta (honorary English Society) and college theater. She taught senior and junior high school in Clintonville and substituted in New London for several years.
On June 4, 1966, she was united in marriage to Gerald “Pete” Popke at Evangelical United Brethren Church, New London. They were the last couple to be married in that church, which is now in the New London Historical Village.
Jeri was past president of Clintonville AAVW, board member and past president of Mental Health Association-Waupaca County, board member Mental Health Association of Wisconsin and board member of Habitat for Humanity-Waupaca County. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in New London and active in education programs and mission and finance committee. She originated the annual Christmas Cookie Walk for Missions.
Her favorite pastime was reading, especially World War II history and flower gardening. She was especially fond of the butterfly garden and nursing and releasing monarchs.
Jeri is survived by her husband Pete; two sons, Phillip (Chris) Popke and Michael (Jennifer) Popke; one daughter, Amy (Eric) Czarnecki; brother-in-law, Merlin Schreiber; sister and brother-in-law, Avis and Robert Sasse; sister-in-law, Carol Lind; granddaughters, Rachael (Ian) Maddison, Emily Popke (fiancée William Throndsen), Sophie and Seth Forbes; and great-granddaughters, Alijah Maddison and Samantha Maddison. She is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Joyce (Robert) Pieper and Janice Schreiber.
The funeral ceremony for Jeri will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, at the United Methodist Church in New London with the Rev. Joyce Rich officiating. Interment will be in the Floral Hill cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 9 a.m. until the time of service.
First love was my family. You have given me great joy. LYM
“I have fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
Jerelyn “Jeri” Lee Popke
