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William Kopp Obituary
William "Bill" R. Kopp, 68, of Spring Township died April 3, 2013, at home with his wife by his side.
He was the loving husband of Peggy A. (Matthew) Kopp, whom he married on August 12, 1967.
Born in West Reading on October 3, 1944, he was the son of the late Walter R. and Ruth M. (Sweimler) Kopp.
Bill graduated from Wilson High School in 1962, where he was a standout athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. He was the 1962 Wilson Athlete of the Year. During his high school career, he was first team All-Berks in football in 1960 and 1961, and held the Wilson record for most tackles in a career for 25 years.
He was also first team All-Berks in baseball in 1962 and still holds the Wilson record for the most RBIs in a career. He was inducted into the Wilson Sports Hall of Fame in 1987.
Bill was the starting catcher for the West Lawn Owls Legion Baseball Team that won the 1962 Pennsylvania State Legion Title.
Bill graduated from Albright College in 1966. At Albright, he was a 4-year starter in football and was chosen to the MAC football first team all-star team in 1964 and 1965. He also received the lineman of the year award in 1965 and homecoming game MVP in 1965. Bill was a 3-year starter in baseball at Albright. He was inducted into the Albright Hall of Fame in 2001.
Bill played Lebanon Valley baseball for several years and fast pitch softball for 25 years with various teams.
Bill retired from Wilson High School, where he taught history and economics for 36 years. He was a well-respected teacher and coach and touched the lives of many students and athletes.
While at Wilson, he was a member of John Gurski's football staff in 1971 and 1972.
Bill was the varsity baseball coach for 28 years, compiling a 326-170 record, including Division 1 titles, County Championship, District III title and placing 2nd in the 1988 PIAA Class AAA State Championship.
Bill coached golf at Wilson for 33 years, compiling a 419-105 record, including 9 Berks County Championships and 8 Division Championships. Many of his golf team members competed in the District III and State Golf Championships.
Bill was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame-Berks Chapter in 2002. Bill loved playing golf and since his retirement from Wilson HS he worked parttime at Manor Golf Course.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his brother, Robert L. Kopp, husband of Marianne, Lebanon, and their children Beth Robbins, wife of Bill Robbins, Richmond, VA; Kathy Kopp, companion of Tim Eckford, Mentor On the Lake, OH; and Drew Kopp, husband of Kristen, Blacksburg, VA. Bill was predeceased by his dear nephew, Robert Derek Kopp.
The family wishes to thank the BVN Hospice for their loving care and support during this difficult time, especially Megan and Mary.
To honor his wishes, there will be no public services.
Lamm & Witman Funeral Home, Inc., Wernersville, is handling arrangements.
The family requests please no flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to the Robert Derek Kopp Leukemia Fund, 819 Wheatfield Lane, Lebanon, PA 17042.
Online condolences may be made at www.lammandwitman.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Debbie Westmoreland
April 17, 2013
Growing up in Sinking Spring,everybody knew Bill Kopp - he was a wonderful role model for all of us. In 1970 the class dedicated our yearbook to him...it was an easy decision. His contributions have been many.
Graham Young
April 13, 2013
Sad to get this news today, remember a lot of our golf matches in the late 80s like they were yesterday. Such a positive influence, he will be missed.
Jo-Anne Graham-Shellhamer
April 13, 2013
Mr. Kopp was an awesome teacher. May his memory be eternal...my deepest sympathy to his family..from Jo-Anne Graham Shellhamer...
Gary Slemmer
April 13, 2013
You were a great teacher and coach. Thank you always for believing in me. I will never forget my senior year of baseball. District and State Medals class of 88. Mic and Kerry were unstoppable!!! You were a great coach keeping us laughing which made us calm. May you rest in peace Bill Kopp.
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Rob (Cork) Manwiller
April 12, 2013
Sorry to hear about Billy's passing. My condolences for the family. He was a good friend, great athlete and always had a positive attitude about life and in competing in sports. He'll be missed by many.
joe federowicz
April 11, 2013
bill was a real inspiration to me. he was one of my football coaches. i delivered newspapers to his parents in Sinking Spring and i remember how proud they were of him. he was a great athlete and just a good person.
joe federowicz
class of 1970
randy blessing
April 10, 2013
bill was one of the first people i met when i started jr. hi. playing football and him being 4 yrs. older than i was he never was one to pick on the "little" kids. i always liked and respected him for that. i always looked up to him because he was a good person as well as a good athlete. yrs. later, we both played softball in the fireman's league for many yrs. and i got to know kuppy on different level. as an all around nice guy, team player and jokester. he had a great sense of humor, was fun to be around and didn't take himself too seriously. i am proud to have known him and consider him a friend. i was sad to learn of his passing, offer my condolences and prayers to you and your family. rip kuppy, you will be missed by many. that in itself is a great tribute for anyone.
Karen (Riegel) Shollenberger
April 10, 2013
Mr. Kopp was a great History teacher. I couldn't wait to get to his class to hear the Shakespeare records. So sorry for your loss.
Class of 1969
Tom Angstadt
April 10, 2013
Thoughts and prayers to the Kopp Family on the passing of William Kopp. I had the fortune of playing baseball under Mr. Kopp in 1985-86, and will always cherish those times. Additionally, I considered him one of my favorite teachers during my years at WHS as he was always well respected by students and faculty alike. He will be missed, but my memories of him will last forever.
Gary Hughes
April 9, 2013
Mr. Kopp was an excellent teacher. He will be missed by many.
Randy Dry
April 9, 2013
Growing up in the late 50's and early 60's, I knew him as Kuppy. I admired him for his mental and physical toughness, and loved his laugh. I saw many of his high school baseball, basketball, and football games. I have great memories of his great games in the Legion playoffs, and the inspiring wins of the West Lawn Owls. Later, in the 60's, he became Mr Kopp and was a coach and my teacher. A great individual. My brother Bill, my sister Susie, and I will always rembember him. I was really glad my brother got to see him in his last days. My father told me as he reached his later years, that life is all about memories. My dad was right, and I will always cherish the memories I had of Kuppy. We will miss him.
Matt Brown
April 9, 2013
Mr. Kopp stands at the forefront of my memories. He was truly a loyal ambassador and will be missed. God bless his family I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Randy Steffy
April 8, 2013
Wilson lost a Great teacher and coach.
Will always remember Coach Kopp as my teacher and basbeall coach.
Richard Stuebner II
April 8, 2013
A truly unique and caring man. Sadly missed but never forgotten. R.I.P. my friend.
Cheryl (Cunderi)Huntzinger, Class of '72
April 8, 2013
Mr. Kopp was one of my favorite teachers. He always managed to teach us something by mixing business with pleasure. He was tough when he needed to be, and made us laugh when the material got a little dry! When I talk to my kids about the teachers who leave an impression on their lives, I always think of him...he will be missed.
Rick Dierolf
April 7, 2013
I was so sad to hear the passing of Mr. Kopp. He was an awesome teacher and he played fast pitch softball with my dad. My fondest memory of Mr. Kopp was playing in the intramural basketball league my junior year that he ran at Wilson, he made it so much fun for all of us. He really encouraged me to go back out for the basketball team my senior year and I am glad I did, I may not have had it not been for his encouragement. I will always remember and and be grateful for how nice he was to me. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and family. Rest in Peace Mr. Kopp and thank you
Rick Dierolf
April 7, 2013
I was so sad when I heard the news that Mr. Kopp had passed. He was an awesome teacher and he played fast pitch softball with my dad. My fondest memory with Mr. Kopp was my junior year and the intramural basketball league that he ran at Wilson. I chose not to play on the school team that year and boy did I have fun playing Iba, Mr. Kopp made it so much fun for all of us. After that season he really encouraged me to go back out for the basketball team my senior year and boy am I glad I did. Not sure if I would have had it not been for his encouragement, he also invited me back to play for the faculty Iba team after I graduated which was really nice. I will always remember and be grateful for how nice he was to me, my thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and family. Rest in peace Mr. Kopp and thank you
Denise Yerger(Gerber) WHS 1996
April 7, 2013
Mr Kopp was one of the coolest teachers I had at Wilson!!! He will be missed. So sorry for your loss.
Lori Moyer
April 7, 2013
Please accept my sincere condolences at this very difficult time. Mr. Kopp was my teacher (I graduated Wilson in 1981) and was by far my favorite. I will never forget all I learned from him which went beyond the text book but stretched into living life in a loving way and treating others with kindness and respect.
Brian Dettling
April 7, 2013
To the Kopp family - I'm so sorry for your loss. Bill was a great Teacher, Coach and Friend to us all. I will always remember our 1988 WHS Baseball Season together. Great Times.
Coach- rest in peace.
Reggie Weiss
April 7, 2013
Accept our sympathy for your loss of Bill. He was such a fun guy all the time. He will be sorely missed by all.
Katie
April 7, 2013
What an amazing person, you were, you believed in me when no one else did!!!! You will be missed!!!
Steve Dallas
April 6, 2013
A wonderful teacher, coach and friend to my entire family. Coach Kopp will be missed!
Jim & Pat Eyrich
April 6, 2013
Please accept our deepest sympathies. Bill will truly be missed!
Bill Zapata
April 6, 2013
Peggy, my sincere condolences. I will always remember Bill for how much he loved his pups. I fondly remember the winter when it snowed several feet and he shoveled the back yard for the dogs .He was kind enough to invite me to walk Jamie in the back so she could relieve herself.
Thanks for your kindness Bill. I hope your having fun up there with your pups.
April 6, 2013
To the Kopp family,
So sorry to hear of Mr Kopps passing!! I graduated in 1982 from Wilson and he was by far one of my favorite teachers!! He always made you laugh and he didn't care if you played sports or went to vo-tech! Just an all around wonderful person, I am sure he will truly be missed.
You are in my thoughts and prayers!
God Bless!
Lori Sands
Darlene Hamilton class of 87'
April 6, 2013
My sincere condolences to your family. I enjoyed his class more than any I had in high School and remember it as if it were yesterday. He was one teacher that had such an impact on my life just in how he taught and his way of treated students with so much respect. Having children of my own in school, I can only hope they have the honor of having a teacher like Mr Kopp who they will always remember and will have just as much of an impact on their lives as he has for myself and so many other students lucky enough to have had him. May he rest in peace.
David Jaromnak, Class of '84
April 5, 2013
Mr. Kopp was a charismatic teacher with a great sense of humor. He influenced the lives and education of many students in his lifetime. Gone to soon, may he rest in peace. Deepest sympathy to his wife and family.
Angelica Montoya
April 5, 2013
Condolences to the Kopp family. Mr. Kopp was an outstanding teacher and role model who inspired me to become a teacher. I feel honored to have been one of his students (class of 1998) and will always remember his energetic personality and great sense of humor. He will truly be missed.
Tony Bosket
April 5, 2013
He was a stand up guy and a great man. He was probably the only teacher I know that told me I could go to college. He tried to see the best in people even foul-mouth students like myself. This world will be a darker place, because of his passing but heaven will be a brighter one because of it.
Nancy Stuebner Harding
April 5, 2013
Condolences to the Kopp family. Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. So glad I got to talk to him at the Class of 62's 50th reunion. It was a fun night. Sounds like he was a wonderful teacher. Sure left a great impression on his students.
Mike Nester, Class of '86
April 5, 2013
Mr. Kopp was not only an outstanding teacher, he was a caring man with a great heart. When I think back to my high school days, he was a teacher that inspired learning. The world would be a better place with more teachers like him, I am proud to say he was one of my favorite teachers....
William Kopp, from the WHS Class of 1970 Yearbook Dedicated To Him
Donn Davis
April 5, 2013
Amanda Danner-Hernandez
April 5, 2013
My sincerest confidences to the Kopp family. I was a student of his in 95 and he was my most memorable teacher and to this day when I read books on economics, I think of him. He will be missed.
Jessica Bauer
April 5, 2013
My sincere condolences to the family. I looked forward to having Mr. Kopp as a teacher. He was insightful and made learning fun (class of 1993).
a student
April 5, 2013
Mr. Kopp was the model of what all teacher should be. He was one of the few who really cared that you were learning
Craig Davis
April 5, 2013
My sincere condolences to the Kopp family. I enjoyed my time at Wilson because of Mr Kopps presence there. God Speed.
Craig Davis. W.H.S. Class of '87
Jesse Jaworski
April 5, 2013
Peggy,
The year I played softball for Clover Park with Bill is one of my fondest memories. I really enjoyed his company. I was sad to hear of his illness and passing. Your comfort is in my prayers.
Dave Haughney
April 5, 2013
Coach Kopp was not only a baseball coach to us but also someone who always had a smile on his face and truly enjoyed his profession; a great influence on his community. My condolences to the Kopp family.
Linda Macaulay
April 5, 2013
A great teacher, who knew how to use humor to engage his students. You will be missed.
An Inspired Teacher, A Demanding Coach, And A Sincere Friend ... WHS '70
Donn Davis
April 5, 2013
Kristin (Moyer) Kristin
April 5, 2013
Kopp Family,
Mr. Kopp was by far one of the best teachers I ever had. He truly made each of his students feel special. He made connections with us that let us all know he was so much more than a teacher in a classroom. Since I heard of his passing I have been reminded by so many friends of funny stories from when we all had him as a teacher in the classroom. Mr. Kopp cared about his students and it shows. I only hope that I can touch the lives of my students the same way Mr. Kopp touched the lives of the students he taught. My heart is sad knowing his larger than life personality is now gone. The world will be a little sadder without him physically being here anymore but I truly believe a person like him continues to make a difference in the lives he touched even after he has passed on to the next phase of life.
I wish I could find the words to make this difficult time easier for you, but after losing my father 4 years ago I know how hard this difficult time is for all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Wilson Class of 99'
Carole Wentzel (Haas)
April 5, 2013
With deepest sympathy to the Kopp family. Mr. Kopp always had a smile and encouraging words to everyone who knew him. Very memorable teacher for me. My thoughts and prayers are with the Kopp Family. Wilson Class of 88
Donn Davis
April 5, 2013
To the Kopp Family - our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time! The WHS Class of 1970 knew Mr. Kopp as "An Inspired Teacher, A Demanding Coach, And A Sincere Friend", which is the inscription in our yearbook which was dedicated to him. We'll miss you, Coach Kopp!
Dennis & Linda Flickinger
April 5, 2013
Peggy,
Our sincere condolences. We were saddened to learn of Bill's passing. May many great memories sustain you during this difficult time.
MaryBeth Speicher
April 5, 2013
Peggy, Glenn and I send our deepest sympathies for your loss. We will keep you in our prayers.
Jessica Kiehl-Stine
April 5, 2013
RIP Mr. Kopp thanks for the best class I ever had in high school and being a true individual and marching to your own tune. You will be missed :-(
Ralph Stamm
April 5, 2013
To the Kopp family, I'm saddened by the lose of Bill. I played basketball with Bill in the Over 35 Pick-up games during the winters. He was a wonderful man and treated everyone with respect. His memory will live on in our hearts.
Gerald Wolf
April 5, 2013
My condolences to Peggy and the Kopp family. Bill was my catcher for several years in fast pitch softball. He had such a great personality and sense of humor. He will be missed by the many people his life touched throughout his career.
I'll never forget a home run that was hit off of me at Blandon and after it cleared the center field fence, Bill came out and said to me, "Did you see that, he hit that one handed." Then he laughed as I told him to get back behind the plate and not make his pitcher feel bad for throwing such a bad pitch and serving up a home run ball. We always had a good time when Bill was around.
Bill and Carol Lorah
April 5, 2013
May the peace that comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead.
I will always remember Bill's sense of humor and kindness. Our deepest sympathies and blessings to Peggy.
Larry Schneck
April 5, 2013
Going to miss you at the Manor it was a pleasure to have known you Bill.
Patricia Conrow
April 5, 2013
I think Mr. Kopp was everyone's favorite teacher. He had a great sense of humor and even after 40 years out of school, he still comes to mind every now and then. What a wonderful human being he was.
Mike McRoberts
April 5, 2013
To the Kopp family - I am very saddened by your loss. Mr. Kopp was a great teacher, both in the classroom and on the baseball field. Coach - may you rest in peace.
Wilson Class of 1988
Dave Kase
April 5, 2013
The Kopp Family I was saddened to hear of the passing of Bill. We played softball together for a number of years and he was a good friend. I will always remember him as he led by example and was a great teammate. It seems like only yesterday we were playing and talking ball. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
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