Ernie "Pete" Koprek, of Eagle River, died Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at his home in Eagle River. He was 75 years old. He was born on March 4, 1937 in Merrill, a son of Ernest and Irene (Neuman) Koprek. He was married to Pam Trantow from 1959 to 1971. On August 3, 1973 he married Darlene Wagner in Antigo. She survives.
He was a graduate of Merrill High School in 1955 and attended University of Wisconsin at Madison.
He then served in the United States Army with the 101st airborn division from 1957 to 1959. He was recalled to active duty with the army reserves in 1961 and 1962. He graduated from UW Whitewater with a degree in accounting.
Mr. Koprek worked as an accountant for Employers Mutual Insurance in Wausau, followed by Mark Koenig Accountants of Merrill for two years. He moved to Antigo in 1968 where he worked with Fred Braun at Braun-Koprek Certified Public Accountants. He worked at Vassau-McCormick Inc, handling pension and estate planning work. He was one of the founders of 20th Century Foods, a development and management company of restaurants and hotels throughout Wisconsin. He concluded his accounting career with Brettigen Smits and Novak, S.C. in Antigo.
After retirement he moved to Eagle River in 1999.
He was a member of the Antigo Kiwanis Club, the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge 662, Antigo. Mr. Koprek was a former member of St. John Catholic Church in Antigo and currently a member of St. Peter Catholic church in Eagle River where he served as a hospitality minister and enjoyed other volunteer opportunities in the Eagle River community.
His hobbies included playing golf, hunting, fishing and watching hockey.
Survivors including his wife are four daughters Mary (Dave) Stalowski, Madison, Kathy (Steve) Curran, Lakeville, MN, Kelly (Rodney) Bruesewitz, Plymouth, Dawn Sacco, Oxnard, California; a son Kevin Koprek, Ouray, Colorado; 13 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Bradley Funeral Home with Rev. Charles Hoffmann officiating.
Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.
Memorial funds are being established in Mr. Koprek's name for local Hospice programs and for an athletic scholarship. Funds may be directed to the family.
Online condolences at www.bradleyfh.com.
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Antigo, WI 54409
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Antigo, WI 54409
Darlene and family, We are so sorry to hear of Ernie's. We only heard of it after the obituary was in the paper. I pray you and your family are surrounded by the love of Jesus and family and friends.We remember how tolerant he was when golfing with Mike for Silver M. and his loud speaking especially when he was presented with ear plugs by his fellow golfers. He loved a good prank.
May many happy memories comfort you, Ruth and Mike Schoetz
Darlene and Family, We send our sympathy for the loss of Ernie. He helped in our fond "Red Robin." He was a welcoming example to our introduction to Antigo. Peace to all of you.
Dar,
Our deepest sympathy. We will miss seeing Ernie on Aquila Court, his smile, his wit and overall friendliness. We will cherish the memories.
Dear Darlene, We would like to express our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers to you and your family as your mourn the passing of your dear Ernie. May he rest in peace. + Sincerely, Donna & Phil Loritz
darlene:
we wish to send our deepest sympathy for your lose.Ernie was a great guy and I always looked forward to usher with him. I liked the look on his face when I would get you two to take the gifts up,
I would tell him it would help his golf swing!!!! We have very fond memories of him!! God Bless!!!
Dar - biggest of hugs to you during this difficult time. Our minds are flooded with such special times we shared at the Resort and pontooning to mention a few. Wes just mentioned not to long ago when we were making pancakes that it reminded him of Ernie. Ernie was a wonderful person and we will remember him always. I for one will never forget his laugh and words of wisdom. Love Wes and Donna
Dear Darlene, please know you and your family are in our prayers and thoughts. Ernie left us way too soon. God be with you. Dick & Penny Hurlbert
Would like to share one of my many fond memories of Ernie. We golfed league at Riverview on Wednesdays. Coming in from the 18th hole my brother John was headed out for the night league, came over to say Hi. Ernie was putting his bag into his blue van when John spotted his big "metal driver" - they were kind of new to golf then. Hey he said, I heard those things give you more distance over a regular driver -- and without hesitation Ernie said "Yap, now I'm driving the ball about 30 yards further out of bounds.
Dar and family
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Ernie was such a wonderful person. Sorry we didn't get to spend more time with you both over the years. Our condolences, love and prayers are with you always.
Love
Darlene & Family, our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you go through this difficult time. I would like to share a photo that was taken in February of 1984 when our agency celebrated our 50th anniversary with the Travelers. Ernie was our partner at that time, but even more so through the years, a dear friend, a fun guy to be around. Our loss here on earth, is truly the Lord's gain in heaven. May you find comfort in knowing that you're not alone. God's Blessing & Peace to the family!
We wish to send our deepest sympathy to the entire family. Ernie was a great early morning customer at the coffee shop. We all have fond memories of him and his wit. It was truly a pleasure getting to know him. We trust that God will comfort you during this time. All of you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Our hearts and Prayers are with you Dar and family.
We'll remember Ernie with fond memories at PDS, having early morning coffee, celebrating our birthdays together, visiting you all in Eagle River. Guys chatting about the sports. Girls getting ready to eat your fantastic deserts Dar. Our Love and thoughts are with you.
Friends Nancy & George Kocsis
Dear Darlene & Family,
I was so saddened to hear the news! I will keep you and your family in our prayers and thoughts, for sure. God be with you.
Judy & Dan Preiser
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