----Source: Thorp Courier (Clark County) September 1, 1999

Kolpanen, William (1922 - 1999)

William R. Kolpanen, Marshfield, died on Thursday, August 26, 1999 at St. Joseph's Hosptial Hospice Care in Marshfield.

Funeral servies were held on Monday, August 30, 1999, 1:00 p.m. at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in the Town of Longwood, rural Withee, with Reverend Terri Blomberg officiating. Inurnment will be in the Emmanual Lutheran Church Cemetery. Visitation with family and friends was on Monday, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church from 11:00 a.m. until service time at 1:00 p.m.

William Kolpanen was born on April 1, 1922, in the Town of Longwood, rural Withee, the son of John and Hannah (Koski) Kolpanen. He received his early education at the former Moody School in Longwood. Bill and Gertrude Gosse were united in marriage and they raised their family and farmed a small parcel of land near the Popple River in the Town of Longwood. Bill worked various jobs throughout his life. He drove tankers for Western Condensing in Owen, operated heavy equipment, and was employed with Allis Chalmers and Milwaukee Electric Tool as factory lead man. Bill also was a representative fieldman for Marshfield are cooperatives. After retirement, Bill began, as he called it, the best job he ever had, spending time with his grandchildren. His warm heart and giving smile will be missed by all.

Bill will be dearly missed by his loving wife Gertrude of Marshfield four sons: Bill Kolpanen, Jr. of Marshfield, John Kolpanen of Sussex, Jerome (Dianna) Kolpanen of Thorp, Jeffrey (Cathy) Kolpanen of Marshfield one daughter Mary of Marshfield one brother Reino Kolpanen of Golden, Colorado one sister Elizabeth Himes of Owen 6 Grandchildren: Martin, John (Keri), Heather, Amanada, Angela and Alexander and 1 great-grandson D.J. He was preceded in death by his parents and 3 brothers: Hans, Uno and Roy Kolpanen.

The family will establish a memorial in his name at a later date.