Name: Visitation for Paul M. Zopel
Start: 2018-01-13T19:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-01-13T22:00:00.000Z
Location: Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc. - Wausau West

Paul M. Zopel

Wausau - Paul M. Zopel, 73, transitioned at home in the presence of his loving family on Monday Jan. 8, 2018.

He was born May 29, 1944 in Chicago, son of Vincent and Rose Zopel. On November 19, 1966 he married the love of his life, Sherry. Living family members include his wife, Sherry; children, Wendy, Justin (Alex), Adam (Mariana) and Allison. One granddaughter, Violet. Two brothers, Vincent (Mary) and Tony (Jan).

Paul was a professional musician and music educator of many students for over 40 years, including 25 years teaching the DC Everest string program. After his retirement Paul composed over 100 original jazz compositions which are performed by the Zopel Jazz Ensemble and recorded on CD. His legacy lives on as his music continues to be shared and played by his children and fellow musicians. He enjoyed saying "I am a conduit of the Divine" when asked about his inspiration.

Before his teaching career Paul was a professional dancer beginning his training in his mother's dance studio in Chicago. He has passed on the passion for dance to his daughters by encouraging and supporting their years of dancing.

A few of Paul's other passions include, participating in spiritual study groups, meditating, gardening, travel, biking, organic and non GMO foods and using his energy to make our lives and the world a better place.

Visitation will be held at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave. on Saturday, January 13, 2018 from 1 to 4 PM. An inspirational remembrance sharing will be held at 4 PM. Online condolences may be expressed at petersonkraemer.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Wausau Daily Herald on Jan. 11, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Zopel

Sponsored by Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc. - Wausau West.

11 Entries

April 16, 2018

Love knows not its depth until the hour of departure.
An old friend

Matt Powers

January 13, 2018

Paul was a giant among men. He taught my daughter not only how to play the piano but how to look at life with an edge of optimism and thoughtfulness that we rarely see anymore. His amount of patience in his lessons did not go without notice. Paul will be missed for sure but the part of him he gave away so readily will be with us forever. Happy trails Paul.We all are better off for your presence in our lives.
Shannon,Jen and Matt Powers

Deren Jackson

January 12, 2018

I have memories of Jazz jam sessions with Paul, Vincent and various other high school students in the basement of your home while I was in High School (1988-1992/Wausau East). Thank you for sharing your husband and father with many of us to teach and share his love of music!

January 11, 2018

To Mrs. Zopel and the entire Zopel family...I am so very sorry for your loss...Mr. Zopel was the epitome of a true gentleman and always treated me with such kindness and respect...I am really saddened to hear about this news...please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers and know that he was really a good "character" that I always liked speaking with, truly a wonderful person in so many ways.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Mielke
Mayor-City of Wausau

Annemarie Rudolph

January 11, 2018

So sorry for your loss. He was my violin teacher for a couple of years at DC Everest. He was a kind man and will be missed.

Allan Brusse

January 11, 2018

I'm sorry to hear about Paul's passing. He was a good educator, and I enjoyed working with him very much. My condolences to his family. Allan Brusse

January 11, 2018

So sorry to learn of Paul's passing. I will always remember with much fondness teaching with Paul during our years together at D.C. Everest, and our breakfasts together at Tri-City restaurant. We will be in prayer for the family at this time.
Lynn and Marilee Wright

Marla Steines

January 11, 2018

Allison and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He brought such happiness to so many people with his music. May the memories you share together bring you and your family some inner peace at this time of sadness. Hugs!
Tom and Marla Steines

Caitlyn Rhea

January 11, 2018

He was a great music teacher he taught me a lot.

Jeff Addison

January 10, 2018

So sorry to hear about Paul. He was a good man and a fine teacher and musician. He will be missed by his many friends, colleagues and students. My condolences to his family.

bryan anderson

January 10, 2018

I worked with Paul in the band Sojourn Express, as part of the crew, and then tried to fill his role on stage when he left. He was also my cooperating teacher at D.C. Everest Schools. His kindness, good humor and general warmth was contagious. I count myself as lucky to have known him. He will be missed, and remembered fondly.

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