Terrence George Popravak

TERRENCE GEORGE POPRAVAK
March 25, 1942 ˜ January 7, 2026

Terrence George Popravak passed away after a four-month illness in Vancouver, WA on January 7, 2026. He was born in Chicago, IL on March 25, 1942, the second of two sons of Nicholas L. Popravak and Jane (nee Danielewicz) Popravak. Terry carried a jovial heart that lifted the spirits of all around him, giving of himself tirelessly and without hesitation to support others.
Terry graduated from Chicago Vocational School in 1960, and an active member of the “99th Street Raiders.” He joined the Illinois Air National Guard in 1960 with his brother Nicholas, and was honorably discharged in 1966 as an Airman Second Class.
Terry married Helen M. Casey while in military service, at Gulfport, MS on October 25, 1960. Father of seven children, Terry moved through the world with a soul on fire - a light so genuine that anyone who crossed his path felt instantly lifted. He was a parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Vancouver and attended mass until health issues caused him to worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ from home.
Terry relished sports, baseball in particular, and coached several little league teams. He enjoyed military history, proud of his family’s military service in WW II and postwar conflicts.
To provide for his growing family, Terry worked various jobs including steel mills, phone company and TWA airlines before becoming a Patrolman in the Chicago Police Department in 1967. His memoir of police service, Grand Crossing, is currently in transcription for future publication.
In 1972, Terry moved his family to Vancouver where he served as a Patrolman until wounded by gunshot in the line of duty in 1973 and was medically retired; he transitioned to police radio dispatch, then to 911 dispatch in CRCA. In 2001 he moved to the city’s Parks & Recreation Department and then Department of Public Works maintaining street signs around the city from which he retired a few years later.
Terry is survived by his children, Terrence Popravak, Jr., Dawn Figlioli, Daniel Popravak, Erik Popravak, Nicholas Popravak and Michael Popravak, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Helen, daughter Colleen, his parents and brother.
In memory of Terry, who loved people dearly, and in lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations in his honor be made to the United Services Organization (USO) or Humane Society of SW Washington.
Viewing will be at 10 a.m., January 20, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Vancouver, followed by a funeral mass at 11 a.m., reception/memorial at the church then burial at Park Hill Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.
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