Anton M. Koppa

Anton "Tony" M. Koppa 101, formerly of 1118 S. 5th Avenue, Wausau, where he lived for over 65 years, died Saturday, December 16, 2006 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born January 1, 1905 in the town of Cassel, son of the late John T. and Mary (Gorski) Koppa. On June 30, 1931, he married Frances Pietrowski at Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski. She preceded him in death on May 13, 1973. As a young man, Tony lived on a farm and began his working years as a lumberjack. For 40 years, he worked as a tank wagon deliveryman for the former Cities Service Oil Company. Following his retirement, Tony was a custodian at The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus and was a driver for Marathon County Commission on Aging. He was a member of the Holy Name Society, a founding member of The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus and an usher until age 99. For many years, he was on the Holy Name Dartball Team and an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus, Wausau. Among his many interests, he enjoyed fishing, traveling, dancing, tending to flowers and plants inside and outside his home and feeding the birds and squirrels. His grandchildren and great grandchildren all called him "Grandpa Tony" and always looked forward to spending time with him and listening to his stories. Survivors include, six children, Donald (Elaine) Koppa, Rib Mountain, Marie (Bernie) Olbrantz, Wausau, Shirley (Neil) Slamka, Wausau, Gerald (Phyllis) Koppa, Wausau, David (Linda) Koppa, Rib Mountain and Theresa (Joe) Jurkowski, Franklin; 17 grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; seven step-great grandchildren; one brother, Alex (Vivian) Koppa, Wausau; one sister, Caroline Narloch, Wausau; and special friend, Balbina Presl, Tigerton. Besides his parents and wife, Frances, he was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Brenda Heil; three sisters, Agnes Jakubowski, Dorothy Michlig and Margaret Guralski; and four brothers, Leo, Ted, John and Edward Koppa. The funeral mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 20, 2006 at The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Wausau. Rev. Joseph Gyim-Austin will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus. The family would like to thank Rev. Joseph Gyim-Austin for his support, kind words and friendship. They would also like to thank the staff at Our House Assisted Living for their loving care and support given to Tony and his family over the past two years. Tony will be deeply missed by all who knew him.