Gloria Votapka

Gloria F. Puckett Votapka, age 85, of Pelican Rapids, MN, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2015 at Lakeview Ranch, Darwin, Minnesota.Gloria F. Puckett Votapka was born on July 25, 1929 in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Lynnville and Minda (Anderson) Puckett. In 1947 she graduated for Pelican Rapids High School.Gloria attended Concordia College for eighteen months and then transferred to Moorhead State University. While there she was a member of the choir, band, Gamma Nu Sorority and Kappa Delta Phi (a national honorary educational fraternity.) In 1951 she graduated Cum Laude from Moorhead State University.In 1951 Gloria began her teaching career in Mora, Minnesota. From 1955-1968 she taught in the Casselton-Wheatland area of North Dakota. In 1968 Gloria joined the faculty of the Fargo Public Schools as a teacher of music at the Lewis and Clark Elementary School. Gloria taught in Fargo until her retirement in 1987.Gloria was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids. She always said the best part of her career came last when she directed the Trinity Senior Choir for fourteen and a half years with Anne Schroeder at the piano. Gloria would say "How I loved that Choir." Directing them was truly a spiritual experience. She loved bible studies, but the kitchen work, quilting and sewing were extremely limited.Gloria is survived by nieces, Kathy Marlin, Kristen Gilchrist; nephews, Gary, David, Brian Puckett and their families.She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Arlon and her darling poodle, Bridget.Memorials preferred to Otter Tail County Humane SocietyVisitation: Visitation is one hour prior to the service at the church.Service: 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota.Burial: Lakeview Cemetery, Pelican Rapids, MinnesotaClergy: Pastor Phil JohnsonFuneral Home:Larson Funeral Home304 3rd Street S.E.Pelican Rapids, MNUS 56572