Obit: Jopek, Ryan David (1986 - 2006)

Transcribed by: Crystal Wendt

Surnames: Jopek, Smith, Smith, Smallman, Hoffmann

---Source: Foto News (Merrill, Lincoln County, Wis.) Wednesday, 16 Aug. 2006; Page 10

---Jopek, Ryan David (1 June 1986 - 2 Aug. 2006)

Ryan D. Jopek

Ryan David Jopek, 20, Merrill, died Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2006, in Tikrit, Iraq, from a roadside bomb.

Ryan was born on June 1, 1986, in Alliance, Neb., the son of Brian and Tracy (Smith) Jopek.

Ryan graduated from Merrill High School in 2004. Ryan joined the WIARNG in August 2003 as a 19D (scout) assigned to Troop E, 105th CAV. and transferred to A (-)2-127 on June 2, 2005. He was mobilized June 6, 2005. Sgt. Jopek's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" Device, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon and the Combat Action Badge.

Ryan enjoyed playing basketball, soccer, golf, football, his music, monster-trucks, airplanes, and of course his 1966 Chevy pickup truck. He was an avid Chicago Bears fan and modeled his life after his childhood hero, the legendary Bear - Walter Payton. Ryan loved all of his many friends and family.

Survivors include his mother Tracy Jopek, Merrill; father Brian Jopek, Antigo; sister Jessica and brother Steven, both of Merrill. Ryan is further survived by his maternal grandparents Donald and Carrie Smith, Bayard, Neb.; his paternal grandparents Joseph and Peg Jopek, Antigo; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services were held Aug. 14, 2006 at Merrill High School Field House, Merrill. Rev. Robert Smallman and Rev. Charles Hoffmann presided. Burial was in Merrill Memorial Park.

The Waid Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

A Memorial Fund has been established at Associated Bank in Merrill for the Jopek Family. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made in Ryan's memory. The monies will be divided and benefit two worthy causes. A scholarship fund will be established to help students participate in Merrill High School athletics, and the Jopek family is planning on restoring Ryan's 1966 half-ton Chevy truck. Donations can be made at any Associated Bank in Wisconsin to the Ryan Jopek Memorial Fund or directly to Merrill Associated Bank, P.O. Box 527, Merrill, WI 54452.

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