Elena G. Popelka, 70, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.
She was born on February 16, 1956, in Odessa, Ukraine, the daughter of Georgiy Tonkonogov and Vera (née Kozneva). She earned her master’s degree at Odessa National Maritime University, where she also taught mathematics. In July 2008, she married Daryl Popelka in a Russian Orthodox church in Odessa.
Elena devoted herself to her family and home. She enjoyed gardening, growing flowers, planting trees, and cooking. Animals held a special place in her heart, especially her pets.
She is survived by her husband, Daryl Popelka of Keomah Village; her children, Alex Byelashov (Olena) and Anna Petersen (Matt); and her granddaughters, Darya Byelashova and Sofia Byelashova.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Natalia.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Des Moines, with Father Basil Hickman officiating. Burial will be at Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 10, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa.
Everyone attending the funeral is welcome to join the family for a memorial dinner on Wednesday, November 11, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Tasos’ Steak House, 109 High Avenue West, Oskaloosa, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the family to support selected animal shelters and tree-planting projects in Elena’s memory.
