April 2022

Janis Jane Tiede Haase was born outside Otoe, Nebraska on November 3, 1934, and passed away on December 9, 2021 in Kingwood, Texas at 87 years of age. Jan grew up on a farm outside of Otoe. After graduating from Nebraska City High School, she met Fred Haase on Central Avenue and married him upon his return from the Navy in 1954. They were blessed with a son, Doug and then 7 years later completed the family with the arrival of Debbi. Jan was a wonderful mom and was always involved in church, bridge, and crafting groups in Nebraska City. In 1972 the family moved to Houston Texas, where she loved working at a flower shop. Jan and Fred moved back to Omaha in 1979, only to return to live in Kingwood Texas two years later. In 1992, Jan was diagnosed with advanced stage breast cancer. She completed a long year of chemotherapy and radiation at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and became an enthusiastic volunteer with the Cancer Network. Jan also was part of MD Anderson’s ad campaign, and her photos still grace the walls of the hospital. Jan was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Fred in 2018, parents Herbert and Velma Tiede, and sisters Donna Jean Yearsley and Doris June Wurtele. Jan is survived by her son Doug, Houston, TX, daughter Debbi (John), Kingwood, TX; Grandchildren, Jason (Alex) Haase, Northlake, TX, Madeline Hazle MD, San Antonio, TX, and Grant Hazle, Sheridan, WY, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial and interment service for Fred and Jan will be held at Wyuka Cemetery, on Saturday, April 21 at 10:30 am. Memorial donations may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX. Full obituary can be found at: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/kingwood-tx/janis-haase-10481930.

Our beloved wife, mother, sister and grandmother, Brenda Joyce Popelka passed away on April 12, 2022 surrounded by her family. Brenda was born September 8, 1945, to Yvonne Miller Reiser and raised by Yvonne and her father Robert Reiser in Mohall, ND. She married the love of her life, Cleon Popelka and the two welcomed their son, Brian in August of 1966. Brian hit the jackpot with Brenda as his mom. The bond they shared remains unmatched. She was his steady anchor. During his childhood, she was the fourth in an impromptu basketball game, the stand-in for a game of poker, the mother to all with a non-judgmental ear. Her family was her ultimate pride and joy. Brenda loved her grandchildren fiercely. She was the protector of Zachary, the sparring partner to Keegan and best friend and NayNay to Gracyn. Of her partners in crime and confidants, none greater than her sister Kathy and daughter-in-law, Kerry. Brenda had a magnetism that became the center of her family. With her quick wit and unwavering loyalty, she was the mother and friend you dream of. Her annual 4th of July party was the celebration that brought friends and family from all over the country. Those that knew her understand, any opportunity to step inside the home and life she created was a celebration. She was the safe place, the warm hug, the hysterical sidekick, the ultimate secret keeper. She was just that good. Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Yvonne Reiser, and sister Deanna Baker. She is survived by her loving husband, Cleon Popelka, her son Brian Popelka (Kerry), grandchildren, Zachary Egan-Popelka (Alex), Keegan Parry, Gracyn Sophia Popelka and her siblings, Delilah Ruch, Betty Martin (Calvin), Pat Pfefferkorn (Gene), Bob Reiser (Nancy), John Reiser (Sandy), Kathy Schmidt (Wayne) and many adoring nieces and nephews. Private services will be held.