Joseph Robert Kopecky Jr.

Joseph R. Kopecky Jr. RACINE – Joseph Robert Kopecky Jr., 70, passed away unexpectedly at All Saints hospital on Tuesday, March 14, 2017. He was born in Roseau, Minnesota on September 21, 1946, son of the late Joseph Robert and Vivian (nee: Hoosier) Kopecky Sr. Not long after graduating from Park High School he entered the US Army and served with the 1st Air Calvary in Vietnam. On April 1, 1967, he was married to Shirley Mae Andreason at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Joe was a machinist by trade, and was employed for 34 years at Jacobson Manufacturing; and then spent 6 years at Pioneer Products until he retired in 2008. He enjoyed playing softball, bowling leagues, and was an avid fisherman. Joe was a big Vikings fan, and was elated to see his Chicago Cubs finally win a World Series. He was well-known for his willingness to help others, and his abilities for outdoor cooking on the grill. Joe leaves behind his loving wife of 50 years, Shirley Kopecky; his beloved sons, Joseph (Carrie) Kopecky III of Racine, and William (Sophie) Kopecky of Marseille, France; treasured grandchildren Diana (Matt Staiduhar) Kopecky of Milwaukee, Rachel (Philip Garrett) Kopecky of Racine, and Vaughn Kopecky of Marseille, France; and great-grandchildren Savannah and Donovan Paul Staiduhar. He is further survived by his brothers, Verlyn (Yolanda) Kopecky of Almo, Kentucky, and Edward Kopecky of Racine; sisters, Shirley (Vern) Tuinstra, and Lynn (Raymond) Otwaska; sister-in-law Diane (Brad) Esson; close family friend, Tom Eickner all of Racine; as well as many other relatives and friends. Joe was also preceded in death by his dear son, Paul James Kopecky. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Monday, March 20, 2017. All are invited to visit with the family from 4pm-6pm. Funeral services will begin at 6pm with Rev. Randal Poppe officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family have been suggested. Online condolences at www.draeger-langendorf .com We thank the dedicated members of the Racine Fire Department Paramedics, and the staff of All Saints Emergency Department for their aid and efforts to save our beloved Joe’s life. Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home 4600 County Line Road, Racine, WI 53403 262-552-9000