Benjamin L. Koppa

Benjamin L. Koppa 23, Oshkosh, died Saturday July 29, 2006 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital as the result of an automobile accident. He was born October 21, 1982, in Wausau, son of Jeffrey and Kathy (Krautkramer) Koppa. Ben was an Honor Student and graduate of Marathon High School, where he excelled in football, track, pole vaulting, academic decathlon and FBLA. In 2005 he graduated from the UW Madison with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. While a student, Ben was instrumental in building a coffee harvesting machine that is now used in Columbia. For three years he interned at Oshkosh Truck and was currently employed there as a Design Engineer in the snow Division. Ben was a very energetic and active young man and enjoyed many outdoor activities, including, hunting, boating, waterskiing and snowmobiling. He always enjoyed helping out his family with any farm work that needed to be done. As an automotive enthusiast, he enjoyed every opportunity to take people for a ride in his GTO and was very knowledgeable in the automotive field. Survivors include his parents, Jeffrey and Kathy Koppa, Marathon, a sister, Jennifer (Matthew Juknius) Koppa, Chicago, Ill., his grandparents, Lyle and Laverne Krautkramer, Marathon, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. The funeral mass will be celebrated at Noon Weds. August 2, 2006 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery following the mass. Friends may call on Tuesday from 4 - 8 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon and again on Weds. from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com Benjamin was a charismatic guy that had a wonderful, outgoing personality and was loved by all who knew him. He will be truly missed.