Carolyn Ruth (Mayer) Koppenhaver, age 80, of Wilton, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at Prairie Hills Assisted Living in Tipton. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 6, at Grace United Church of Christ, Wilton. A visitation will be held from 9:30–11:00 a.m., prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place in Melpine Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Grace United Church of Christ. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.
Carolyn was born on Sept. 15, 1946, to Rev. Joseph H. Mayer and Flora (Dependahl) Mayer. She attended school in Minnesota, Missouri, and Iowa as her family served different churches. She fondly remembered swimming in the hotel pool near her home in Kansas City and spending time outdoors when they lived in Minnesota.
Carolyn was united in marriage to the love of her life, Francis William (Bill) Koppenhaver, on Nov. 30, 1963, in Wilton. Together, they raised their children on the farm, milking cows and caring for the calves. Carolyn was always proud of the baby calves she raised, her home, her flower beds and garden, and her children. She struggled to recover after the home was destroyed in a fire in December 1973.
A few years after the farm crisis of the 80’s, and death of Bill’s father, they purchased the Koppenhaver family farm. Carolyn and Bill spent many years there farming and raising cattle. Being local also allowed her to continue involvement in her church.
Carolyn is survived by her children, Jon Koppenhaver of Wilton and Michelle (John) Karstens of Waverly; granddaughter, Brittnee Danielson of Waterloo and her children, Amela and Alen Pajazetovic; grandson, Chad William Danielson and his son, Mateo; and her sister-in-law, Carol Uhr of Bettendorf.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Joseph and Flora Mayer; her husband of 59 years, Bill; grandson, Jacob Danielson; brother, Robert Mayer; sister, Gayle Jones; and a brother in-law, Terry Uhr.
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