Michael Paul "Mike" Popelka

POPELKA

Funeral services celebrating the life of Michael “Mike” Popelka, age 44, of Glencoe were held Thursday June 8, 2006 at 10:30 AM at the Church Of St. Pius X in Glencoe. Officiating was Msgr. Eugene Lozinski. The music selections included “Here I Am Lord”, “You Are Mine”, “Hosea”, “We Have Been Told”, “We Will Rise Again”, “We Walk By Faith” and “On The Wings Of Change”. Serving as casket bearers were his immediate family. Interment was in the Glencoe Catholic Cemetery. Visitation was held Wednesday evening at the church.

Michael Paul Popelka was born December 31, 1961 in Hutchinson, Minnesota the son of Paul and Mary (Rand) Popelka. He was baptized on January 7, 1962 at St. Peter & Paul Church in Glencoe by Fr. Henry LeMay. Mike received his first communion on May 3, 1970 by Fr. O’Connor. He was confirmed into the faith on April 30, 1975 at St. Peter & Paul by Bishop Schladweiler. Mike grew up in Glencoe and attended St. Pius Catholic School and graduated from Glencoe High School. After high school, Mike went to Willmar Vocational School. On July 9, 1982, Mike was united in marriage with Diane Meuleners at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Cologne by Fr. Streff. The couple made their home in Young America before moving to Plato for a short time and finally settling in Glencoe where they most recently built their dream home. Mike owned and operated My Own Body Shop in Glencoe. He was a member of the Glencoe Chamber of Commerce, Glencoe Lions, Knights Of Columbus, former Golden Glove Boxer, MN Deer Hunters official register measure, Pheasants Forever and Shady Lanes Sportsmen. Mike had a strong faith in God, he was an active member of St. Pius Church and served as Fall Festival Chair. In his free time, Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing, motorcycling, old car restoration, helping out others, and especially enjoyed spending time with his dogs, friends and family. On June 3, 2006, Mike entered his eternal rest at the age of 44 years, 5 months and 2 days. He is preceded in death by his mother; brothers Larry and Ronnie; and his grandparents.

Mike is survived by his wife Diane of Glencoe; children Cory Popelka (fiancé: Lindsay Mickolichek) of Glencoe and Brittany Popelka (special friend: Jesse Mace) of Glencoe; father Paul Popelka of Glencoe; brother and sisters Dave Popelka (special friend: Julie Dammann) of St. Louis Park, Carrie Fedor (husband: Paul) of Sauk Rapids and Tammy Rechtzigel (special friend: Jeff Pesek) of Arlington; father-in-law and mother-in-law Bernard & Donna Meuleners of Cologne; sisters-in-law Kathy Hardel (husband: Tim) of Arlington and Lisa Whitaker (husband: Don) of Norwood Young America; nieces and nephews Emma, Gracie, Ellie, Sam, Derek, Brielle, David and Daniel; as well as other relatives and many friends.

Arrangements were with the Johnson-McBride Funeral Chapel in Glencoe. For an online guest book, please visit www.mcbridefuneralchapels.com