Connie Sue Johnson Poppke

Connie Sue Johnson Poppke, 59, died Aug. 30, 2017 in Rochester, Minn., from complications of rare blood disorders that were initially diagnosed in 2013.There will be a prayer service at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E Divide Avenue in Bismarck at 7 pm on Friday, Sep. 15, 2017.  The family will receive visitors beginning one hour prior to the service.A Memorial Eucharist will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, Sep. 16th at St. George's Episcopal Memorial Church, 601 N 4th St, Bismarck, with the Rev. Pat Eustis officiating.Cremation has taken place.Connie was born Nov. 16, 1957, in Grand Forks, the daughter of Ken and Anne (Short) Johnson. She graduated from Bismarck High School in 1976 and the University of North Dakota in 1980 with a degree in early childhood and elementary education. She married Ted Poppke Aug. 13, 1983, in Bismarck. They lived and raised their family in International Falls, Minn.; Panama City, Fla.; Mobile, Ala.; and Greenfield, Mass., returning home to Bismarck in 2010. Connie taught in public and private schools, including music, and also worked in administrative positions for several different organizations.  Connie was a faithful church musician and sang in community vocal groups. Wherever she lived, the Episcopal Church congregation was central to her life. She valued her friendships in the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women and P.E.O. Chapter F in Bismarck and cherished time with her extended family.She is survived by her husband, Ted, Bismarck; her three children: Becky (Joseph Ohotto) Poppke, Maddie Poppke, and Conner Poppke, all of Minneapolis; her four siblings: Mary (Victor Cajiao) Johnson Cajiao, Elkton, S.D.; Ward Kendall III (Diana) Johnson, Grand Forks; Don (Beth) Johnson, Bismarck; and Peggy (Kyle) Anderson, Sioux Falls, S.D.; 29 nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews whom she adored, and her two Shih Tzu dogs, Heyou and Gizmo.Connie was preceded in death by her parents.Memorials can be directed to St. George’s Episcopal Memorial Church or in Connie's name to the charity of your choice. The family asks that you consider becoming a regular blood donor and also a bone marrow or stem cell donor by registering with DKMS.org or BeTheMatch.org. Registering to be a stem cell donor is easy, free and can make a huge difference in the lives of others.There will be a private interment in 2018 at her favorite destination, the family’s ranch in the Badlands.