Jean J. Kopitzke, age 94 of Marion, passed away Sunday afternoon, November 6, 2016 at the Greentree Health & Rehabilitation Center in Clintonville.
Jean was born near Marion on November 13, 1921 as the daughter of the late Lenard and Minnie (Pockat) Kopitzke. She graduated from Marion High School and attended Wood County Normal in Wisconsin Rapids and later graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point in 1950. Jean engaged in additional study at Concordia Teacher’s College in River Forest, IL, the University Extension in Menasha, and at the University of Minnesota, Mankato. She began her teaching career in 1941 at Sunrise School near Marion. From 1944-1967 Jean taught grades 1-3 at Zion Lutheran School in Appleton. Then from 1967 until her retirement in 1984 Jean taught grades 2-3 at Trinity Lutheran School in Menasha where she also taught Sunday School for many years. Jean was a life-long member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Marion where she was a past member of the Ladies Aid and was active with the quilting group. Jean, along with her sister Joyce, also volunteered to fold the church bulletins for many years. Jean put her relationship with her Lord above all else. Her love of reading led her to her Bible regularly. In her spare time, Jean also enjoyed a good card game, sewing, and working on jigsaw puzzles.
Survivors include:
Her siblings: Joyce Kopitzke, Marion; Gordon (Ruth) Kopitzke, Marion; and Dale (Sandra) Kopitzke, Santa Barbara, CA.
Nieces & Nephews: John (Rita) Kopitzke, Marion & Karen (John) Riemer, Marion.
Great-Nieces & Great-Nephews: Nikole (Matthew) Poock, and their children Kaylee & Johnathan; Cody (special friend: Calissa Hawley) Riemer, and their son Camryn; Chelsea Riemer; Chris Kopitzke; Hunter (Betsy Shafer) Kopitzke; Gunner (special friend Jessalyn Krueger) Kopitzke; Summer Kopitzke; Gayle Kopitzke; & Sally (Chris) Kosciusko, and their sons Cole & Rolan.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents.
Jean’s funeral service will be held Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at 11 AM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in the Town of Dupont, Waupaca County with Rev. Karen Riemer officiating. Interment will take place at the Greenleaf Cemetery in Marion. Friends may call at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 AM until the time of the service. The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory of Marion is assisting her family. www.eberhardtstevenson.com
