Obituaries & Guestbook

Veronica “Ronnie” Kopatz (Angus, McDermid), 65, Oconto Falls, loving daughter, sister, mother, wife, aunt, grandmother, and friend lost her courageous 17-month battle with ovarian cancer on Friday, December 17, 2021, at home surrounded by family.  Ronnie was born August 21, 1956 in Green Bay, WI to Violet and the late Neil McDermid.

Ronnie attended St. Anthony’s School, Oconto Falls Junior High, and graduated with the Oconto Falls High School class of 1974.  After graduation, she went to live with her sister Pat in Michigan to attend Mt. Clemens Pivot Point School of Cosmetology. Back in Wisconsin, she was a wife, mother, and even a farmer for some time, but always helped her family at their taverns. Ronnie and her husband then purchased the West Side Tavern which became the “Wild Wild West;” there are too many memories there to mention. After selling the bar, Ronnie worked at McDermid Trucking for 26 years until her retirement in 2018. She enjoyed her time working with family and the daily memories she made working with her mom, Vi.  On New Year’s Eve in 1996, Ronnie married the love of her life, Craig Kopatz.

Ronnie lived life to the fullest with a big open heart that put others before herself.  Many people have been touched by her God-given talents. She was always giving free haircuts to family and friends.  She was a seamstress, making wedding dresses, countless blankets, and legendary costumes. She was an artist and created art that she loved sharing with loved ones.  She built a wonderful home that was always open to everyone.  She loved hosting pool parties and hanging out outside with family and friends. She lived for her time with her grandchildren, putting weeks of planning into week-long adventures. She had a library of thousands of photos from family gatherings and events of all kinds.

Ronnie was a member of River Island Golf Course for many years; she and Craig would attend every event they possibly could. Ronnie was on the Ladies Golf League and was so proud when she finally received a birdie at the Ladies’ Annual Banquet. Ronnie was an excellent bowler and over the years participated in tournaments and won many accolades. She was previously the Oconto Falls Sportman’s Club Secretary-Treasurer and ran events out of her car trunk when the club houses burnt down. She also was a very good trap shot!

Ronnie leaves behind her loving mother, Violet McDermid; father-in-law, Fred Kopatz; daughters, Jessica (Shaba) Angus, Dr. Rebecca Angus, Erica (Dwayne) Beaumier, Ashley Bahrke; son, Richard Angus; grandchildren, Aidan and Liam Andrich, Peyton and Nolan Beaumier, John and Adalee Bahrke.  She is further survived by sisters, Pat Wranosky, Geri (Rick) Kruse, Susie (Donnie) McDermid; brother Dan (Debbie) McDermid; sister-in-laws, Mary McDermid, Carmen McDermid, Christine Peterman, and Carmen (Roger) Behringer.

Ronnie was preceded in death by her husband, Craig Kopatz; father, Neil McDermid; brothers, Michael McDermid and Robert McDermid; brother-in-law, Dennis Meunier; grandnephew, Buck Kozlovsky; mother-in-law, Bettie Kopatz; stepmother-in-law, Marylou Kopatz; her grandparents, many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation will take place after 3:00 pm Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls until about 7:00 pm at which time, favorite memories will be shared.  Visitation will continue after 9:30 am Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Oconto Falls until the time of service.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30am Wednesday at the church with the Rev. Fr. Greg Parent officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Ronnie’s family would like to thank the Bellin Cancer Team, all the caring nurses, especially Donna, and the Unity Hospice Care Team.  The family also wishes to thank all of the friends that have stopped by to help, brought food, called, sent cards, and sent prayers – your generosity will never be forgotten.  Mom also had four special angels that have been with her through every step of her battle with cancer:  her good friend, Shelby Neta; her lifelong best friend, Linda Jarvey-Pond; her sister, Pat Wranosky; and her daughter, Rebecca Angus.