Gordon H. Kopitzke, age 92 of the Town of Grant, Shawano County passed away at the same home he was born in on Sunday morning February 9, 2025.
Gordon was born on August 1, 1932 as the son of the late Leonard and Minnie (Pockat) Kopitzke. He graduated from Marion High School in 1950 and earned his teaching degree at Wartburg College in Iowa; graduating in 1954. Gordon was a gifted baseball and football player and was faced with a challenging decision while playing ball at Wartburg as his father unexpectedly passed away. He decided to return home after graduating to run the family cheese factory instead of pursuing his baseball career, but always kept sports, especially baseball, as one of his main focal points in life. Coming back home led Gordon to the love of his life; Ruth Linke. The couple were united in marriage on August 23, 1959 at Peace Lutheran Church in Split Rock. Keeping with his baseball roots, Gordon loved playing BABA baseball for the Marion Meisters. He was a left handed pitcher and also played a mean center field. At Marion High School he taught biology and was the driver’s education instructor for many students over the years. He also assisted with the school bus program, helped run the Little League program, and enjoyed umpiring and running the scoreboard for many school sporting events. He was also involved with the Shawano County and Marion Area Historical Society. In his younger years he often helped work on his in-laws farm; seemingly always there for his family. Gordon was a Milwaukee Brewer fan and loved being in the outdoors. Spending time hunting with his pal Larry or going on a fishing trip to Canada, Gordon was truly at home in the outdoors. He was even able to go hunting with his son this past deer season and always looked forward to watching his grandchildren while they were logging. Above all these wonderful things was his relationship with Christ. Gordon was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in the Town of Dupont where he was able to hear his daughter share the word of God with the congregation.
Survivors include: His Children: John (Rita) Kopitzke and Karen (John) Riemer.
Grandchildren: Christopher (Courtney) Kopitzke, Hunter (Betsy) Kopitzke, Gunner (Jessalyn) Kopitzke, Summer Kopitzke, Nikole (special friend Victor Martinez) Riemer, Cody (Calissa) Riemer, and Chelsea Riemer.
Great-Grandchildren: Aspyn, Kinsley, & Lainey Kopitzke, Letty Janak, Bryce, Brooks, & Bo Kopitzke, Johnathan “J.J.” Poock, Emma, Sabrina, & Vanessa Martinez, Camryn & Cylus Riemer, and Mayliana Dixon.
His Brother: Dale (Sandy) Kopitzke.
Nieces: Gayle Kopitzke & Sally (Chris) Kosciusko.
Gordon was preceded in death by his parents Lenard and Minnie, his wife Ruth in 2021, and his sisters Jean and Joyce Kopitzke.
All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
Share This Post!