Cyril P. Koppa

As we honor Cy Koppa's 90 years with us, we remember him as a positive soul in a world that could use more people like him. He brightened a room just by walking into it. Cy's smile and offbeat humor made us happier. He loved sharing quotations. A favorite was by Hilary Cooper: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. A special refrigerator magnet summed up his philosophy: If you feel happy, tell your face. Cy Koppa was a hero to many. At age 12, he saved his one-year-old sister Maxine from drowning. In 1975, he donated a kidney to his daughter Patty--and saved her life. Born July 9, 1926, in the town of Cassel, Cy passed away from Alzheimer's disease at Stone Crest Residence in Wausau on June 17, 2017. Known as the "whistling mailman," Cy was a city letter carrier for 35 years. He was an active member of St. Anne Parish in Wausau. In 1945-46, Cy served his country in the US Army in the Pacific, with the 3rd Engineers Combat Battalion, 24th Infantry Division. An exceptional athlete, Cy was a lifetime member of the Association of Professional Ball Players of America. He began his baseball career as a catcher in high school; then played in the Ohio State League. While in the Army, Cy played on the service team in Japan. He later played in Kansas, Greenville MS & Charlotte NC in the Tri-State League. In 1947, Cy trained in Cocoa Beach FL with the Milwaukee Braves AAA League. Due to an elbow injury in 1950, he left the team, came home & played for the Wausau Lumberjacks. In 1951, Cy held a record for catching 139 consecutive games for the Wausau Lumberjacks. This record still stands for all minor-league teams. A lifetime Chicago Cubs fan, Cy was with us when the Cubbies finally won the 2016 World Series. In another sport, Cy was an All- Conference quarterback at Wausau High School under Coach Win Brockmeyer. In 1942, their record was undefeated, untied & unscored upon. Bowling was a lifetime passion. Cy started bowling in high school, and at age 17 he received the Record Herald Trophy for bowling a 298. In 1947, he had the highest series of the year (707) in the Wausau Classic Bowling League. Inducted into the Wausau Bowling Hall of Fame, Cy became a charter member in 1992. For over 20 years. he bowled weekly for Mountain Lanes, Paper City Lanes, Coral Lanes, Days Bowl-a-Dome & Weston Lanes. Survivors include daughter Patty Koppa (Robert Zarracina), Stillwater MN, son Phil Koppa, Cordova TN, and his dear friend Betty Kettunen, Wausau. Cy has several grandchildren: Connor Koppa (Samantha), Riley Koppa (Patrick) Eversull, Kathryn Rates, Patrick Dunigan, and a great-grandchild, Clarice. Siblings include a brother, Charles, San Diego CA and sisters, Janice Krebsbach, Saginaw MI, Victoria (John) Peroutka, Wausau. In 1952, Cy married Catherine Kittell and she preceded him in death in 1985. His second wife, Jennie Klawitter passed away in 1999. Also, preceding him in death were his son Kim Koppa (age 38) and a daughter Edie Koppa (age 57). Cy's parents were the late Philip S. & Julia (Lepak) Koppa. He was preceded in death by a brother, Rufin Thomas, sisters, Dolores (Maurice) Wachtl, Maxine (Richard) Peroutka, and brothers-in-law Maurice Wachtl and Hugo Krebsbach. The family appreciates Cy's healthcare providers and the staff at The Gardens Apartments and Stone Crest Residence in Wausau. We are grateful for your care and your kindness. Remember Cy's gratitude and smile. The Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Saturday July 8, 2017 at The Church of St. Anne, Wausau. Rev. Nate Kuhn will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:15 a.m. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the Alzheimer's Association, Never Forgotten Honor Flight (North Central), or organization of your choice. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com