Gisela Elisabeth Helene (Goepner) Stopczynski

Gisela Elisabeth Stopczynski, 80, passed away on April 9, 2024. She was born on December 1, 1943 in the Pomeranian region of Koszalin, Germany (which is now Poland) to the late Helene and Hans Goepner. They had to flee their home during WWII for the Bavarian area of German where she enjoyed racing in downhill skiing in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Gisela moved to the United States in 1966 and later became a citizen.

Once in the U.S., Gisela enjoyed gardening, cooking, watching sports and going to Bruce Springsteen concerts.

Gisela is survived by her husband, Dr. Robert Stopczynski; son, Nicholas Stopczynski; daughters, Deborah (Daniel) Smogor, Kimberly Cole and Melissa Barrier; grandchildren, Austen (Julie) Hesch, Lauren (Jordan) Mieras, Brittney Horvath, Kassandra Sterry, Samantha Flanagan and Joey Cole; 10 great-grandchildren; brother who still lives in Germany, Hans Jurgen (Emtrout) Goepner; and nephew, Oliver Goepner.

She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

Funeral Services for Gisela will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at the McGann Hay, Granger Chapel, 13260 SR 23, entrance off of Cherry Rd., at 5:00 p.m. with a Gathering of Friends and Family at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, http://feedindiana.org or YWCA of North Central Indiana, http://ywcancin.org, or Center for Hospice Care, http://cfhcare.org.