HELEN KOPPENHAVER
Helen Koppenhaver, everyone’s Oma, passed away peacefully of natural causes on March 15, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. Almost a centurion, Helen was born on June 10, 1922 and was the daughter of Harry Romberger and Myrtle Romberger. She graduated from Hegins Township High School in 1940 and attended business school in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Susquehanna University. Helen was an active congregant at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Klingerstown where she was the oldest member. She was born in Klingerstown and spent 96 years of her life in her beloved Mahantongo Valley home, Helen lived at Polk Assisted Living in Millersburg for three years and enjoyed the friendships she developed with residents and staff. She spent her last weeks in her daughter and son-in-law’s home surrounded by loved ones.
Among her family was the love of her life, the late Carlos D. Koppenhaver, to whom she was married for 53 years. She and Carlos owned and operated a general store in Klingerstown and Koppy’s Propane in Williamstown. Through the decades, culture changed but Oma’s virtues stayed the same. She was dedicated to her family, and she believed in sharing the gift of hospitality, working hard, and of course, playing and socializing. Oma never passed an opportunity to play hausey, five crowns, pinochle, or rummikub. Additionally, she loved laughter and said many surprising one-line comments that made everyone laugh. Known for her work ethic and generosity, she shared readily with everyone she knew. Her keen quilting skills produced many beautiful quilts for loved ones. Oma enjoyed baking and provided her signature delicious cookies, muffins, and cupcakes for friends and family including the local high school sports teams.
Helen is survived by four children: David Koppenhaver and wife Rachel Koppenhaver; Mary Field and husband Norm Field; Rebecca Kline and companion Darryl Miller, and Jane Weigel and husband John Weigel. In addition, she has ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren that she adored.
She extended the role of Oma (German grandmother) to all generations and shared her optimism big-heartedly to relatives and friends alike. Her life was a testament to “treat your family like company and your company like family.” Hospitality was second nature to Helen, and she welcomed both young and old into her home.
Burial will be in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Klingerstown.
________________________________________________________
Obituary and photo from Buffington-Reed Funeral Home.
Corrections and additional information should be added as comments to this post.