Wayne R. Kopke

Wayne Robert Kopke, died Monday morning, December 8, 2025 from side effects of Agent Orange exposure. He was born on July 31, 1947 in Oconto to Raymond and Irene (Walski) Kopke. He will be remembered for his vibrant spirit and unwavering dedication to family and friends.

He grew up in the Pulaski area, where he excelled as an athlete, particularly in track, and graduated from Pulaski High School in 1966. Wayne served his country as a Sergeant in the US Army, stationed in the DMZ in Korea during the Vietnam War. He qualified as an expert marksman.

Wayne married Carol Bierhals in Pulaski at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on July 3, 1971. Together, they built a life in Abrams with their four sons, where he was an incredibly supportive father, attending countless activities and offering mentorship to his sons in their favorite pastimes.

An accomplished machinist, Wayne spent many years at Paper Converting, retiring as the Machine Shop Supervisor. Known as the workplace jokester, he cherished the friendships he built with his coworkers.

Wayne loved the outdoors, spending his free time hunting and fishing, with his sons up north and out west. His favorite traditions were ensuring they all had his family's famous "Kieshka" for breakfast, plenty of Kit-Kats, and Jeżynówka Blackberry Brandy. Other favorite past times are cutting wood with his chainsaw, shooting sporting clays and golfing with his sons, and puttering around on the "hobby farm". He could also rival anyone with his snoring.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol; four sons, Shawn (Jolene) Kopke, Chad Kopke, Travis (Polly) Kopke, and Corey (Sarah) Kopke; and six grandchildren, Tristen, Addison, Hailey, Griffin, Avery, and Sofia; and sister, Charmaine (Jim) Jagodzinski.

Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Irene.

A visitation will be held after 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Jones Funeral Service with a memorial service to follow at 5:00 PM. A burial will take place at a later date at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Stiles.

A special thanks to the staffs of Meadowbrook and Bristol Hospice for their compassionate care and service.