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George Kopf Obituary

George M. Kopf, 46, of Naperville. Beloved husband of Gail; loving father of Alexander and Tyra Kopf; devoted son of Jean Karczewski and George (Dorothy) Kopf; dear brother of Rose (Richard) Shirey, Susan (Paul) Fortier, Laura (Scott) Batzel and Jean (Bill) Mehaljevic; uncle to eight nieces and nephews and many cousins and friends also survived. Funeral services Monday, 10:30 a.m. at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1310 Shepherd Drive (at 75th Street) Naperville, 60565. Interment Naperville Cemetery. Visitation Sunday, 2 to 6 p.m. at the Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, 44 S. Mill, Naperville. For those who prefer, the family has asked that memorials be made to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Stephens Ministry or a charity of one's choice. For info. 630-355-0213.

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

Published by Chicago Tribune on Feb. 12, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for George Kopf

Sponsored by Gail.

Not sure what to say?





Kyle Jensen

October 25, 2019

I went to Architecture school with George and his 2 close buddies Micheal Barrett and Peter Schout. I don't think they really thought very much of me as I was outspoken and harsh. I will never forget George designed this project where Mulberry trees in green houses fed Silk Worms and then woven silk products were produced and I remember saying to my self "gees like thats ever going to happen". Now I am building a roof that has Algae growing on it to remove pollution from surface water and insulate it from the sun. I always think of George and his mulberry silk worm factory and realize how close his idea was to my future focus in architecture. Brilliant guy George! Sadly Peter had a heart attack, Barrett died from deceleration sickness and now Im sorry to hear of George...15 years after though. I can't believe their all gone but Ill never forget George, he was such a talent and I wish I had payed closer attention to him. Have a Latte on me George!

Bill Allison

June 20, 2016

Such a unique, intriguing guy. Never laughed harder than when he blessed with his rapier wit, energy and enormous intelligence. Happened to think about him today (don't know why) and found this- very happy I did. The pictures are great, and so very George.

Miss George to this day, as I'm sure many do.

Phoenix intrigued by Roy

Gail Kopf

January 29, 2007

If you ever drive down Royce Road in Naperville between Washington Street and the veterinarian's office near Rt 53, you will understand this poem written by George. Phoenix was our little black cat who also died much too young.

Poem by George Kopf:

Jesus saves on tilt-up reinforced precast
concrete panels. Beautiful silos.
Brown eyes. Ashes lift over
the utility grade power lines like
the last minute ideas of a perfect day.
Beautiful silos.
Beautiful eyes.
Beautiful Phoenix.

A "landscape" painting by George

January 28, 2007

A "flower painting" by Geroge

January 28, 2007

Gail

January 28, 2007

In memory of George, here is another interesting poem by George from his poem book "Tools"...

Decades of frost bite,
Grasping through loopholes,
the blue wolf states
There never was
anything to catch hold of.
You will be born dead
but with a full set of tools.
Bolt cutters.
Claw hammer
First aid kit.
Now, go and live.

George at home 5/2/2004

April 19, 2005

Enjoying Kauai 5/19/2000

April 19, 2005

George in Maui 5/10/2000

April 19, 2005

Gail Kopf

March 10, 2005

To George's Family,

I received the following note from a former pastor of George, which I would like to share with you:



Feb. 14, 2005

To George's Loved Ones,



As you gather together in Naperville this morning, I am thinking of you and praying that God’s Spirit will comfort your family with tenderness and with hope.



I was privileged to come to know George in the early 1990’s. I was a pastor at Trinity in Des Plaines and participated in the baptisms of Alex and Tyra. George enjoyed discussion of the things of faith. He honored me by asking his questions; many of which have no certain answers. In our times together, I realized what a beautiful person he was and write today to say that in a small way I know the grief that you’re feeling. George; “may you rest in peace, in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection of Christ our Lord.”

Judy Barnes

March 5, 2005

When I am Gone~~



When I am Gone, Release me, Let me go~~

I have so many things to see and do.

You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears;

Be happy that we had so many beautiful years.



I gave to you my love. You can only guess, how

Much you gave to me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you have shown,

But now it's time I traveled on alone.



So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must, then

let your grief be confronted by trust,

It's only for a while that we must part, so bless

the memories within your heart.



I won't be far away, for life goes on. So if

you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near~~

And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear,

all my love around you soft and clear.



And then, when you must come this way alone, I'll

greet you with a smile, and say~~"Welcome Home".

Walworth County Fair 8/31/03

March 1, 2005

Dad at Alex's 13th Birthday 8/10/03

March 1, 2005

George, 6/2001

March 1, 2005

George Fishing in Fair Haven 7/12/99

February 19, 2005

Dad at Tyra's Dance Show 2/25/99

February 19, 2005

George and "Poc" - May 1999

February 19, 2005

The First in a Recent Series

February 18, 2005

The Second in an Unfinished Series

February 18, 2005

George In His Home

February 18, 2005

George's Most Recent Painting

February 18, 2005

Trustees of Schools

February 14, 2005

Dear Gail,

We wish to convey our deepest sympathies to you and your family. May your memories comfort and strengthen you in the days to come.

Solis Family

February 13, 2005

Dear Alex & Tyra,

You have our deepest sympathy on the loss of your dad. He always tried to get to your many "events" and we know you will miss him tremendously. May God bless his soul and may you find peace and love in the memories you have of him forever in your hearts.

Brian Mullen

February 13, 2005

Alex, you and your family have our deepest sympathies and prayers. We are very sorry for your loss and let me know what I might do to help you.

Brian Mullen and Family (ChicaGoRoos teammate)

Keith Garcia

February 12, 2005

Alex, I'm sorry for your loss. You have my deepest sympathy. You have family and friends to go through the tragedy of your loss. You can cone to us for anything if you want. You are more than wekcome to do anything with us. Again, I'm very sorry and your father and his will always be there with you.

joseph kuhn

February 12, 2005

alex, you have our family's deepest sympathy and our prayers. we are deeply saddened by your loss. our prayers will be with you and our hearts go out to you. may God comfort you.



Kuhn Family, bob, pattie, joe, mike

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