Obit: Kopacz, Matthew J. (1919 - 2006)

Contact: Audrey Roedl

Surnames: KOPACZ WADAS KOZIAL WERNSMAN FOSS BAEHR GARDNER GLENN NOWOWBIELSKI

----Sources: Loyal TRG 22 February 2006

Kopacz, Matthew J. (1 DEC 1919 - 14 FEB 2006)

Matthew J. Kopacz, 86, died on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2006, at the Clark County Health Care Center, Owen, Wis. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m., on Friday, Feb. 17, at St. Bernard-St.Hedwig’s Catholic Church, Thorp. The Rev. Keith Apfelbeck celebrated Mass. Burial followed in New St. Hedwig’s Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers were his grandsons, Kalani Kopacz, Matheau Gardner, Mike Baehr, Joseph Wernsman, Jason Foss, Jonathon Kopecz, and Joseph Kopecz.

Matthew John Kopacz was born on Dec. 1, 1919, in Chicago, ill., to John and Victoria (nee Wadas) Kopacz. When he was a young child, his family moved to Thorp, where he was raised and received his education at Reseburg School. He married Helen Kozial on June 21, 1947, in Sheldon. They farmed until 1961, at which time they moved to the Greenwood area where they owned and operated the Wildwood Tavern until 1977. He also worked outside the home for Post Company, Owen, and later for the Lato Company, Thorp, from where he retired. After retiring, he worked for the Reseburg Township. His wife, Helen, died on Feb. 20, 2004. He enjoyed playing the concertina and playing drums for the Wildwood Playboys Band. He also enjoyed woodworking, playing cards with friends, dancing, listening to polka music, and fixing and building anything people needed. He never turned anybody down. He was a member of St. Bernard-St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church.

He will be sadly by his five children, Barbara (Bill) Wernsman, Jacksonville, Ill., Patsy (Ken Larson) Foss, St. Paul, Minn., Kada (Wally) Baehr, Withee, Mike (Lori) Kopacz, Clear Lake, and Tresia (Ray) Gardner, Greenwood; 14 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Helen; and two sisters, Kasmeria Glenn and Genevieve Nowobielski.