Joseph M. Koopman

I graduated from Normandy in 1985 and Mr. Koopman was my math teacher for two years. While I don't remember much about calculus I do remember Mr. Koopman's smile, cheerful outlook and stories. As an admission rep for a university I have the opportunity to return to Normandy each fall. I always enjoy meeting with the students and seeing the teachers that I had in school. When I saw Mr. Koopman last fall I was amazed at how much he remembered about me. You would have thought we had...

I am a senior this year at Normandy High School and had Mr. Koopman for Pre Calc and I also had him the previous year for Algebra 2. Mr. Koopman was an amazing man who touched the lives of all he met. He did a lot more for me then teach me mathematics he gave me lessons on what kind of person to be. Mr. Koopman put kindness in our hearts, could fill a room with laughter, and put a smile on anyones face. I feel blessed that he was able to touch my life and he will always be missed. Mr....

I had Mr. Koopman for two years at Normandy High School. He was truly an extraordinary man who went out of his way for his students. Though he was only my high school math teacher, when I heard the news I cried. My thoughts and prayers are with the Koopman family.

God always has a reason for the things that occur in our lives---Although we are all deeply saddened by this loss, we need to look at all the good that Mr Koopman did for the many lives he touched. He was a wonderful teacher--not only in the academic world but in the spiritul world and I believe that he was called to be with God to help him--just as he so lovingly and willingly helped so many around him here. This was a man who truly "practiced what he preached" and I am honored that I had...

God looked around his garden and found and empty space
He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful,
He only takes the BEST.
He saw the roads were getting rough and the hills were hard to climb.
So He closed your weary eyelids
and whispered, "Peace Be Thine."
It broke our hearts to lose you,
but you didn't go alone.
For part of us went with you Mr....

I transferred to Normandy in 92 from St. Ignatius. Times were a little tough for me adjusting to the new environment. One teacher will always stick out in my mind for helping me along with my studies and adapting to the new environment, Mr. Koopman. I felt that this posting was so necessary and was the least I could do for a man who was and is still so great in my mind. Amy, I hope you're hangin in there, my deepest condolences to you and you're entire family. You will be missed greatly.

JOE KOOPMAN TRIBUTE

We have asked this question thousands of times,
Why do the good die young?
They inherit this earth with a purpose of heart
and sing the songs never sung.
Songwriter, Bob Dylan wrote: "The answer
my friend is blowing in the wind."
We can't see it, we can feel it, we know it exists,
and we pray to understand.

How can such a young, talented man be called upon
to exit our living world,
Our minds...

I am a 1993 graduate of Normandy and I had Mr Koopman my freshman and sophmore year. He was an excellent teacher, and friend. Although math was my weakest subject he always took the time to make you feel important and that it was alright if you couldn't quit get it :) Everyday you enterned his class and there he would be smiling, and ready to start the day with the sports talk. I was very sad to hear about his death. My sympathy goes out to his family and they are in my prays.

May...