Ernest S. Kopka
Ernest S. “Ernie” Kopka, 83, of Winamac, passed away at 4:32 p.m. Friday, March 27, in his home.
He was born Oct. 27, 1931, in Francesville, to Milo and Mary (Krohn) Kopka.
Ernie was married on Dec. 30, 1972, in Winamac, to Martha Hoffman. She survives.
Ernie was a life-long mechanic in Pulaski County, working for J.I. Case in Winamac for many years as well as owning and operating his own shop. He farmed and raised hogs for a number of years. In the last 15 years Ernie worked for the Pulaski County Recycling Center where he operated the transfer station. He had also been employed for the Indiana Department of Transportation and the Pulaski County Highway Department.
Ernie enjoyed spending time at Shadyhill Speedway watching his son race. He seldom missed any sporting events of his children and grandchildren.
He loved being outdoors and working on anything with a motor. He was a self-made man.
Ernie deeply loved his family and his friends. He will be remembered with much love and missed by all. We love you.
Survivors include his wife Martha A. Kopka of Winamac; daughters: Linda [Terry] Gordon of Logansport, Vicki [Ron] Kling of Kansas City, Missouri, and Brenda Walker of Mooresville; sons: Randy [Allison] Kopka of Winamac, and Kerry Kopka of Francesville; 19 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and brothers: Henry Kopka of Winamac, and Everett [Reba] Kopka, Winamac.
He was preceded in death by his parents Milo and Mary (Krohn) Kopka; daughters: Peggy Webb and Lenora Kopka; granddaughter Kaitlin Kopka; sister Emma Johns; brothers: William Kopka, Fred Kopka, Kenneth Kopka and Milo Kopka Jr.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac, with Rev. Edward Clark officiating. Burial will take place in Idle Cemetery, Francesville.
Memorial contributions may be given to Tippecanoe Christian Church.
Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.