Vickie Joyce Schopper

Vickie Joyce Schopper (Burns). Of Emporia, passed away Friday, June 7, 2024 at Newman Regional Health In Emporia.

She was born on February 16, 1954 in Yakima, Washington the daughter of Herman and Joyce Burns. Vickie attended school in Humansville, Missouri. After high school, Vickie went on to become a nurses aid. She loved caring for people who needed her love and care. Vickie not only had a soft sweet side, she also had the feisty side. She grew up on the dirt track watching her dad, Herman race.

Vickie was first married in 1970 and had her two beautiful children, Dianell in August of 1971 and Janell in December of 1973. She was a single mother for many years and gave her all to make sure her children were taken care of.

Vickie helped construct, build and even worked at Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Station in Burlington from the middle of construction up until it became operational in 1985. Vickie loved life and had a beautiful outlook on how to raise her girls. When Vickie wasn’t working to provide for her girls, you could find them in a tent, camping, fishing and just enjoying the outdoors.

Vickie devoted her heart to her children, but in 1991, her first grandson, David was born and if you thought her girls were the apples of her eye, her grandchildren were even more so. It was a love that couldn’t be reckoned with.

Vickie entered into the Sacred Heart Catholic Church after never following a religion and settled down with her life long partner and the love of her life, Mark Schopper. They met in 1997 and were joined in marriage on October 16,1999. Mark and Vickie have been lifelong members of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Mark changed Vickie’s life in such a beautiful way. They enjoyed bike rallies on their Harleys, it was there most favorite thing to do. Countless miles and multiple Sturgis trips fueled their love for adventure.

Vickie later retired from the County of Lyon County, after years of working on the Road and Bridge Crew. Vickie spent so much time in her garden, tending her flowers. It was as if her yard was a second bedroom.

Vickie and Mark built a woodworking shop for her which included custom cabinets and included special surprises for her grandbabies. Vickie was most happy working with her hands. Her life brought such beauty to her family and all who met her. Vickie will be forever missed.

She will live on in the hearts and memories of her devoted husband, Mark of their home; her mother Joyce Burns; daughters, Dianell Hardin and Janell Hammarlund; a brother, Brad Burns; a sister, Kathy Zeola; Seven grandchildren, David Lehnherr, Daniel Lehnherr, Crystal Geary, Tiffany Lehnherr, Ashley Nurnberg, Brooke Lang and Dana Hammarlund; eleven great-grandchildren, Lacey Lehnherr, Edward Lang, Jaxon Uttinger, Braxton Fischer, Kinsley Fischer, Eli Lang, Paisley Lehnherr, Emberly Fischer, Ellie & Brantley Lehnherr and Jayda Uttinger.

Vickie’s life memorial/gathering will be celebrated Friday, June 21, 2024 from 5 P.M. until 7 P.M. at Parish Hall of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Emporia. Inurnment will be at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, June 22, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Emporia.