Donald H. Koppa

Donald H. Koppa, 77, died April 4, 2011, at Allison House in Schofield, under the care of Ministry Health Care Hospice Service. In October 2010, Don was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Since his diagnosis, Don has been an inspiration to those around him for the courageous and selfless manner in which he faced the new challenges before him. He didn't complain, and always had a smile. He was born August 8, 1933, in Wausau, son of Tony and Frances (Pietrowski) Koppa, the oldest of six children. On May 14, 1960, he married Elaine Habeck at Holy Name Church. They celebrated 50 years of marriage together last summer with a surprise party given by their children. Before retiring from Wausau Metals in 1998, Don drove a delivery truck for Mrs. Karl's Bakery, and Nabisco; and worked at Green Bay Packaging, and Schuette's One-Stop Building Center. He also served 14 years in the National Guard 132nd Red Arrow Division and served during the Berlin Crisis in 1961-62 at Fort Lewis, Washington. Don enjoyed being outside. He liked spending weekends at the cottage with his family and friends, and fishing. He took pride in taking care of his flower gardens and large vegetable garden, which he generously shared the bounty of with friends. He liked reading, listening to polkas, feeding the birds, and relaxing outside in his favorite chair in the company of his cat. Don will be remembered for his hard work, sense of humor, willingness to help out, his smile, and his geraniums and marigolds. He is survived by his wife Elaine, two daughters, Loretta "Lori" Songer of Sierra Vista, AZ, and Joanne (Patrick) Janke of Ramsey, MN; and son Ken (Solange Fuentes), Wausau; grandchildren include Chad, Andrew, Jenna, Garrett, Elizabeth, and Amy. He is also survived by two brothers Gerald (Phyllis) and David (Penny Larson), and three sisters Shirley (Neil) Slamka, Marie (Bernard) Olbrantz of Wausau, and Theresa (Joe) Jurkowski of Franklin, WI; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a niece. The funeral mass will be celebrated Noon Thursday, April 7, 2011 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Robert Thorn will preside. Friends may call Thursday from 10:00 to Noon all at the church. Entombment will be in Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Ministry Health Care Hospice; Allison House, Schofield; or the Caring Bridge website. Don's family would like to thank the staff at Rennes Health and Rehabilitation Center, Ministry Health Care Hospice, and Allison House, for the loving care Don received during the past months. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com