Lyle J. Koppa Sr.

Lyle John Koppa Sr., 88, Wausau, died Friday January 7, 2022, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Born November 18, 1933, in Mosinee. The youngest of ten children to parents the late William and Anna (Vach) Koppa. A 1952 graduate of Mosinee HS he spoke fondly of attending a one room schoolhouse until 8th grade. He met his wife Shirley Kohnhorst at a Polka dance and they married May 4, 1958, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Mosinee. She preceded him in death October 8, 2016.

Lyle proudly served his country in the US Navy during occupied Japan as a Machinist Mate. Prior to his retirement, Lyle was employed for 39 years by Weyerhaeuser.

Lyle enjoyed cooking potato dumplings with sour kraut for his family. Everyone always looked forward to grandpa cooking a huge pot of soup with his egg dumplings. Shirley and Lyle both cherished their time with family, especially their many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Other interests included the Packers, gardening, small engine work, cars, woodworking, motorcycles (especially his Harley).  He was a longtime active member and delegate of the Western Fraternal Life Association.

Survivors include eight children, Lyle (Brenda) Koppa Jr. of Oconto, Pamela Thompson of Rib Mountain, Valerie (James) Bradfish of Mosinee, Diane (Scott) Whitney of Grand Junction, CO, Charlene Orsted of Madison, Shelly (Robert) McClelland of Powell, OH, Dennis Koppa of Grand Junction, CO, Wayne Koppa of Hopkins, MN; eighteen grandchildren, Justin, Joel, and Jordan Koppa; Shane (Brittney) and Sara (Sheldon) Thompson; Michael (Audrey) Bradfish, Jared (Molly) and Ashley Bradfish; Erika (Cody), Ben (Lily) and Krystle Whitney; Amelia Horn, Lars Orsted; Grace, John, Regan, Max and Abby McClelland, seven great grandchildren, Rylee, Edmond, Charlotte, Arthur, Briggs, Sullivan, and Maia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Anna Koppa, wife, Shirley, son, Brian, sons-in-law, Kim (Walt) Thompson and James Orsted, siblings; Sylvester, Michael, Gordon, Clara, Helen, Irene, Marge, Marcella, and Lucy.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. Thursday January 13, 2022, at Holy Name Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Samuel Martin will preside. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. (4:00 PM rosary service) at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services at the church. Entombment will be at Holy Angels Mausoleum, Wausau. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

A special thanks to Dr. Joshua Luce and Dr. Ivan Shaller for their excellent and compassionate care of our father over the years. He was able to live in his own house until his death.