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.

Online condolences may be expressed at www. marshallfuneral.com.

Marshall Funeral Chapel of Nebraska City is in charge of arrangements.