Mass of Christian Burial for Louise will take place on Wednesday, May 25 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Parish: St. Henry Catholic Church in Marshalltown. A visitation will be held one-hour prior, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Louise’s name may be directed to the family for a later designation. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Louise and her family. For questions or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Louise Amy was born in a maternity home in Tama, Iowa, on September 24, 1928. Her parents were Leo Louis and Bessie Dee Kupka. She lived on a farm seven miles south of Tama and she attended Sheridan #2 rural school. She graduated from Tama High School in 1946. During high school she was in the band, sang in the Girls Glee Club and mixed chorus, and acted in stage plays.

She received a teaching certificate in 1949 from Iowa State Teacher’s college, now known as the University of Northern Iowa. She was a member of Kappa Theta Psi sorority. Later she attended Drake University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1969. She was a teacher in rural schools in Tama and Poweshiek counties and Marengo Independent School District before moving to Marshalltown to teach. She retired in 1987 after being a classroom teacher for 34 years.

She married Robert Neil Springer, of Marshalltown, on June 1, 1952, at St. Mary’s Catholic church in Marshalltown. They lived in Marshalltown their entire married life. They enjoyed 69 years together.

Louise was a member of St. Henry’s Catholic Church. She was active in the Council of Catholic Women and the Marshalltown Deanery of ACCW. She and her husband served as ushers for several years and she enjoyed singing in the church choirs.

After retiring she volunteered at the St. Henry Catholic school, as well as the Rock and Read programs at the Marshalltown public schools.

She was a member of the Marshall County retired school personnel association, Elk Ladies club for 35 years, Alpha Delta Master sorority and the Ave Maria study club. She held many duties in her clubs and church.

Louise liked to read, watch TV, sew, play cards and be with family and friends. During the holidays she made many kinds of candy. Her fudge was delicious.

Louise and Bob had been long-time members of Lincoln Valley golf course. They enjoyed many rounds of golf.

Louise loved to travel. When the children, Mark and Mary, were young they bought a travel trailer and went to a lot of camping areas. Their favorite place was in the Snowy Range Mountains west of Laramie, Wyoming. They fished for trout and went hiking on the mountain trails.

Later they purchased a vacation house in Bella Vista, Arkansas. They had a lot of fun playing golf on the different courses located there.

They traveled to all 50 states including Alaska twice and Hawaii several times. They were in most of the providences of Canada, Mexico, Europe, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Costa Rica. There were ship cruises to some of the Caribbean Islands and through the Panama Canal to San Diego.

She is survived by her son and wife, Mark and Colleen Springer; her daughter and husband, Mary and Dennis Hass, all of Marshalltown; along with two grandsons, James Hass, of Carroll, and Lewis Hass, of Marshalltown. Also surviving are nephews and nieces David and Kris Navara, Michael and Deborah Harding, Larry and Paula Stobbs and Patrick and Sherri Harding; along with great nieces, nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death is her husband, Robert (Bob) on April 26, 2022; her parents Leo and Bessie Kupka; infant son, Stephen; a brother Lt. Leo H. Kupka; two sisters Evelyn Navara and Joan Harding and brother-in-law Robert Harding; and her husband’s parents Bill and Ruth Springer.