Norma Jean Kopke, 100, passed away Aug. 10, 2025, at Medicalodges of Great Bend, Kan. She was born on Nov. 5, 1924, in Great Bend, to Harry and Dovie (Kennemer) Gaunt. 

A child of the Roaring Twenties and Prohibition era came and went smoothly enough, crashing into the Dirty Thirties and the Great Depression. This challenging time brought with it duties for everyone in the family, Norma Jean included. She recognized that while life on the family farm was busy, it was still not as bad as times were elsewhere. New challenges followed with the start of World War II, but so did exciting times.

At the end of the war, on Aug. 10, 1945, Norma Jean married Frederick Robert “Bob” Kopke in Great Bend. They then moved to Hutchinson in 1953, to start Bob’s career in banking. Norma Jean worked as a clerk at Wiley’s Department Store. She was a member of Central Baptist Church. Norma Jean enjoyed traveling around the world with Bob, playing bridge, and spending time with her family.

Survivors include son, F. Robert “Rob” Kopke, II, of Great Bend; daughter, Pam Tucker of Great Bend; honorary grandson, Dell Hammons of Great Bend; two sisters, Nina Sue Stark of Great Bend and Mary Lou Gilliland of Plainville; and numerous nieces and nephews. Norma Jean’s children want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the lovely friends that would stop by to share a conversation or meal with her, something she mentioned to them with great appreciation.

She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; three brothers, Loren Gaunt, Gordon Gaunt, and Lowell Gaunt; and sister, Joan Peschka.

Norma Jean has elected to will her body to the University of Kansas Medical School. Memorial service is pending. Memorials have been designated to Gentiva Hospice or Central Baptist Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Aug. 14, 2025