Belva L. (Koplien) Bucholtz, age 97, of Fremont, passed away on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at the Weyauwega Health Care Center. She was born on January 10, 1914, in Fenwood, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late Frank and Ada Mae (Rich) Sebstead. At age 3, Belva moved with her family to Fremont. In February 1934, Belva married Lewis Koplien. He preceded her in death in 1955. In July 1963, Belva married Martin “Mike” Bucholtz. Belva enjoyed gardening and for many years, she and Mike operated the farm market at Brasch’s. Mike preceded her in death in 1976. Belva was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fremont, and served with the Ladies Aid for many years. She enjoyed crafting, and she specialized in crocheting Easter Bunnies. This craft resulted in Belva being known as the “Bunny Lady”. She also enjoyed making and selling sea foam candy. Belva was proud to have lived in her own home in Fremont until the age of 95. In February 2009, Belva became a resident of the Weyauwega Health Care Center. While a resident there, she helped organize the Songbirds, a group that performed for seasonal functions. Belva is survived by a son, Duane (Patricia) Koplien, Weyauwega; a daughter, Barbara (David) Radtke, New London; five grandchildren, Sally (John) Hartfiel, Fremont; Terry (Paul) Fischer, Fremont; Lewis Koplien, Weyauwega; Greg (Clar) Radtke, Weyauwega and Frank (Karie) Radtke, New London; 12 great-grandchildren, Robert and Natalie Hartfiel, Joseph (Amanda) Fischer, Nicholas and Angela Fischer, Jessie Radtke (Fiance, Mason) Katie (Adam) Selk, and their children, Alayna, Garrett and Moira; Samantha Radtke and her son, Blake; David Radtke, Jacob Radtke; Tara (Brock) Berkhahn, and Megan Radtke; a brother, Arthur (Ellen) Sebstead, Fremont, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Belva was preceded in death by a son, Daniel, a great-grandson, Samuel Hartfiel, three brothers, and four sisters. Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 15, 2011, at 11:00 AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fremont. Burial was in Lakeside Cemetery in Fremont. Visitation was held on Saturday at the church from 9:00 AM until the time of service. A memorial fund has been established.
Bucholtz, Belva L.
Belva’s family would like to extend a very special Thank You to all of the wonderful people at the Weyauwega Health Care Center for all of the care she received while she was there. They also wish to thank Pastor Pope for all of his visits and prayers.