Joseph Kopack Obituary

Joseph Kopack

Born: March 5, 1921

Died: August 14, 2016

Joseph Kopack, life-long learner, resourceful and industrious problem solver, and quick-witted conversationalist, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by loving family and friends on August 14, 2016.

Born on March 5, 1921, Joe grew up in Scranton, PA, moved to New York and New Jersey before heading to California. After running out of gas and money he ended up in Chicago where he met and married his late wife, Maude (Ward) Kopack. They had two children Charles and Barbara and later moved to Downers Grove, IL. where they celebrated 50 years together.

Joseph spent 39 years working for the Burlington Northern Railroad as a train engineer. He was proud of his legacy there as he worked many long hours and extra shifts to provide for his family. Upon retirement Joseph and his wife finally made it to California in their motor home and continued to travel to see our country's majestic, parks, mountains and beaches.

He spent countless hours volunteering with the Knights of Columbus. Joseph was a 4th degree Knight and was recognized for his distinguished service over several years. He was delighted to annually collect the most donations during the tootsie roll drive for mentally challenged children. Later he admitted to adding to the collection to ensure he brought in the most for a good cause. Joe was also instrumental in purchasing and further developing the Knight's of Columbus building in Westmont, IL.

After his wife passed Joe met his best friend and long time companion, Louise Shipinski. Both attended St. Mary of Gostyn Church in Downers Grove and enjoyed being an active part of Golden Agers. Together they visited other Catholic churches, went to baseball games, traveled to Annapolis, Las Vegas, Phoenix, the Grand Canyon and Puerto Rico. In his later years they spent every day together holding hands and watching the birds and the Chicago ball games on TV.

In June of 2015, Joe moved to Sunrise of Leawood, KS to be close to family. There he met many new friends and wonderful caregivers. Louise made several trips to be with him, hold his hand and he would frequently steal a kiss on the front porch. They continued to talk daily on the phone until his final days on earth.

Joseph is survived by his son, Charles Joseph, Sr.; his daughter, Barbara and husband, Ed Hill; grandsons, Charles Joseph Kopack, Jr. (CJ) and his wife, Toni, Edward (Ted) Hill V and his wife, Carrie, Christopher Kopack, and Jeffrey Hill and his wife, Michelle; great grandchildren, Natalyia Kopack, Abdiel Hill, Edward Hill VI, Gabriela Hill and Charles Joseph Kopack III (Joey).

The family is extremely grateful to the outstanding staff at Sunrise Senior Living of Leawood for their incredible care over the past 14 months and to the wonderful team at Gentiva Hospice for their support of Joseph as he prepared to go home.

Memorial Visitation Saturday 9:00AM until time of Funeral Mass 10:00AM at St. Mary of Gostyn Church, 444 Wilson St., Downers Grove. Interment Assumption Cemetery.

Memorials to Gentiva Hospice of Overland Park, KS, Church of the Nativity in Leawood, KS, or St Mary's of Gostyn Church of Downers Grove, IL are appreciated.

Arrangements by Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home, Downers Grove. 630/968-1000 or www.adamswinterfieldsullivan.com