Service Details
Visitation will be on Friday, January 8, 2021 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. John’s funeral service will be held privately. lnterment will take place on Monday, January 11, 2021 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Caledonia, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances would be appreciated.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances would be appreciated.
John Kopecky, age 68 of Racine, passed away unexpectedly at his residence, on Tuesday, December 29, 2020.
Born on April 12, 1952 in Racine, Wisconsin, he was the son of the late Joseph S. and Elena J. (nee: Hostacna) Kopecky.
He was united in marriage on May 8th, 1982 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Racine, to Penelope J. Shannon.
John was a 1970 graduate of St. Catherine’s High School and furthered his education and licensing at Gateway Technical College as a 2nd Class Boiler Operator. He worked as a Building Service Engineer/ custodian for Racine Unified School District for 34 years starting on Swing Shift at Caddy Vista and Starbuck Middle School. Then, he found a home at Knapp School for a good portion of his career. He worked at the Racine Unified Warehouse and then retired from Olympia Brown. Concurrently he delivered papers for the Racine Journal Times, and upon his retirement, he became employed in the Circulation Department at the Journal Times.
To his friends and family, he was always there when you needed him: hard worker, kind, gentle, helpful, go-with-the-flow, and all-around great guy. And we definitely can’t forget his sense of humor. In his presence, you would frequently hear little voices in the back ground as he helped care for his grandkids during the day, who lovingly called him, “Papa.” He enjoyed watching the Packers, Colts, going to Brewers and Cubs games, watching the Bucks and the Chicago Blackhawks. He also enjoyed playing guitar and sports as well. In his younger years, he marched with the Spirit of ’76 Senior Drum Corps, played City League baseball, and was an avid bowler for many years in a men’s league and couples league at Castle Lanes.
He is survived by his wife, Penny; his daughter, Elena (Nicholas Sr.) Roosa; his three grandchildren; Marie, Nicholas Jr. and Aaliyah; his sister, Jo Ann (Roy) Nelson; his brothers-in-law, Gene (Leah) Shannon, Lee (Diane) Shannon III, George (Maria) Shannon; sisters-in-law, Ellen (Wayne) Blake and Beverly Rabe; special friends, Kathy Sayles and Kathy Stryker, and many nieces and nephews and other loving relatives and friends.
Along with his parents, John was preceded in death by his three grandchildren: Anastasia, Joseph, and Baby Roosa; infant sister, Mary; his brother-in-law, Mark W. Schliesman, and step-mother Mary A. (Giese) Kopecky.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Aurora Health Care Cancer Clinic and Dr. Michael Mullane, Nurse Practitioner, Kelly Konesko, Receptionist Becca, and nurses.
Visitation will be on Friday, January 8, 2021 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. John’s funeral service will be held privately. lnterment will take place on Monday, January 11, 2021 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Caledonia, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances would be appreciated.
Jeff Sherwood says
John was the nicest fellow to work with always liked him he will b missed iam sure
Lynn Damaschke says
Penny, so sorry to hear about john, our. Prayers are with you.
Dan Thielen says
Worked with John at Knapp. Very caring and worked to meet the needs of all of the staff and parents. He will be missed!
Lorie Trick says
I was saddened to hear of your loss. Please know how very sorry I am. John was one of a kind. He will be dearly missed. You are in my thoughts,my heart, and my prayers.
Steve & Pat Cook says
So sorry for your loss Penny and Elena. Loved John like a brother. Although I haven’t seen him since we moved, he will be remembered.
Ryan Schmitt says
Ryan Schmitt and all of my kids john was a major part of my life
Thomas Sorensen says
I remember John from high school and afterwards. He was always pleasant and was fun and liked to joke and laugh. I believe he worked with my dad, Earl and Knapp for a while. Great person.
Regina werth says
John had a very kind soul he was there to help anyone I loved seeing him when I did newspapers he was a guy to talk to he would do anything for anybody he could he was going to be missed by many
Regina werth says
John had a very kind soul he was there to help anyone I loved seeing him when I did newspapers he was a guy to talk to he would do anything for anybody he could he was going to be missed by many Fly high with the Angels my friend
Barbara Kairis says
So sorry to read of John’s passing. Please accept my condolences. I will send prayers to you Penny and Elena that God give you the strength to face this difficult time.
Alonzo K Brown says
One of the finest persons I ever met at the grand kids birthday parties he would always come and speak to me and we just talked about things in general and life going to miss them my condolences once again to the family may God bless you all
Gregg Hanrahan says
I am sorry for your loss. John will be missed.
Bill Rodenberg says
My sincere condolences to John’s family. I will always remember his great sense of humor!
Elizabeth Cape says
To Penny and family- So sorry to read about Johns passing. I attended St. Catherine’s high school with John. I’m sending my deepest condolences and a long distance hug ( ). Sincerely,
Elizabeth Cape Sheboygan,WI
Marcia Matavka says
John was such a great guy! I am so glad I had the privilege to work with him. Penny, Elise, and family may God sustain you during this most difficult time . Prayers 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Steve Brinkman says
So, so sorry to hear of John’s passing. We worked at O. Brown together for a few years. He was such a nice/funny guy to work with! I will never forget him. My condolences go out to the family.
Rebecca Straka says
Penny, Elena and family-
My heart hurts so bad for the loss of John. I appreciated when you would come in and keep me company. It was such a pleasure seeing the love your family shared for one another. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to the visitation to pay my respects but know you all have been heavy on my mind. Elena- keep up the great work and know that your dad is so proud of how smart and charismatic you are. You all know where you can find me if you ever need to chat. Thank you for being such a special part of my work days.