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Photo of Vincent J. Kopacek

Vincent J. Kopacek

4/10/1911 - 2/14/2008


Obituary


Vincent Joseph Kopacek, 96, of Britt passed away Thursday, February 14, 2008 at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City. Funeral services for Vincent Joseph Kopacek will be held Monday, February 18, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Britt with Rev. Brian Dellaert and Rev. Jerry Kopacek officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Duncan. Visitation will be held Sunday, February 17, 2008 from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. at Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center Street West in Britt and one hour prior to services at the church. A Scriptural Wake Service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Vincent, the son of Frank and Elizabeth Kudej Kopacek, was born April 10, 1911 on the family farm near Britt. He attended country school at Liberty Township and helped on the family farm.  On January 31, 1933, Vincent was united in marriage with Rose Cecilia Rayhons at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. Following their marriage they rented the Kudej farm west of Duncan. In 1939 they purchased a farm in Erin Township where they built a new home and raised their family. In 1975, they moved into Britt. In their retirement Rose and Vince spent time helping on the farm, traveling and visiting their children. Vince loved bowling and playing cards, especially his numerous games of 65 with Jim Ryburn, Clarence Seebeck, other friends and family, and 500 with the Senior Citizens. Vince had a great love for horses and had never missed a Britt Draft Horse Show in 26 years. He loved playing golf, which he didn’t begin playing until age 65, his Minnesota Twins, ice cream and Rose’s cooking and baking. Vince was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and the Catholic Workmen. He was active in the community and for many years served as Director of the country school in Erin Township which was on the corner of their farm.  He was on the Board of Directors of the First State Bank of Britt for several years and also the Britt Farmers Coop Board. Vincent is survived by eight children: Doris Hempe of Britt, Shirley (Dr. Thomas) Carson of Camarillo, California, Donald (Kay) Kopacek of Britt, Roger (Mary) Kopacek of Britt, Vincent, Jr. (Janice) Kopacek of Ankeny, Carl Kopacek of Portland, Oregon, Ted (Cindy) Kopacek of Maple Grove, Minnesota and Vicki (Tom) Bueker of Bettendorf; 27 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Vivian Formanek of Britt and Marie Brcka of Britt, numerous nieces and nephews, other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Rose April 19, 2006; granddaughter, Liz Ann Hempe; grandson, Jeff Kopacek; two great-grandsons, Tate and McCoy Nedved; brothers Arnold and Francis and sisters Helen and Evelyn at young ages; brother Raymond and sisters Mildred Wellik, Lillian Chizek, Agnes Rayhons, and Blanche Paca. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Donations can be made to these funds, which Vince supported:  Britt Swimming Pool, Britt Hobo Museum, and St. Patrick's Roof Fund.