Janet Popp, 88, of Waubay, died Tuesday, October 10 at Bethesda Home, Webster.

Janet Mae Koch was born October 2, 1929 to Joseph E. Koch and Vera (Purdy) Koch in Aberdeen, SD

She graduated high school from Aberdeen Central and later college at SDSU in Brookings with a degree in education.

She interviewed for her first teaching job in Waubay, SD, received the job and never left. She met the love of her life Loris Joseph Popp. They were married on August 24. 1953.

Janet taught school for many years in Waubay. Teaching High School and middle school sciences and Home Economics. The only time she took off was the 5 years after the birth of their only child Leanne Marie on March 12, 1957.

Janet retired from teaching in 1981 when it was "no longer fun". That same year the Waubay school burned down and after they decided to rebuild it, Janet and several other teachers and former teachers traveled the country to help the school acquire text books and other things needed for the new school.

Janet was active in many organizations throughout the years. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Catholic Daughters of America and a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Janet loved sewing, especially goodie bags for the area hospital to give to children having to spend time in the hospital. She loved doing any type of puzzles, especially crosswords, cross stitching and spending time with her grandkids.

In the early years of their retirement, Janet and Loris were fortunate to be able to travel a lot. That was a very special time in her life.

Survivors include her daughter Leanne (Tom) Harrington of Waubay, her granddaughter Amy Harrington of Waubay, her grandson and special friend, Scott Harrington and Ashley Anderson of Watertown and a great granddaughter Paige Harrington of Waubay and many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.

She was proceeded in death by her husband of over 50 years, her parents, her stepmother Lucille Koch and her Aunt Marie Koch

Pallbearers will be John Popp. Dick Popp, Bill Popp, Don Rumpza Jr., Elmer Thuringer, Kevin Jens.

Honorary Pallbearers will be all her former students and the staff at Bethesda Home, Webster.

Arrangements have been entrusted with Coester Funeral Home, Webster.

www.coesterfuneralhome.net