Heinrich Kopka

Heinrich “Henry” Kopka, 85, of Waite Park, formerly of Staples, passed peacefully into the next life November 28, 2020, at home surrounded by family.

The family will hold a private ceremony and a celebration of life at a future date.

Henry was born July 11, 1935 to Gustav and Marie (Lipka) Kopka in Willenberg, East Prussia, Germany. He attended primary school in Willenberg and Kirchdorf, Germany. Henry, along with his parents and siblings, immigrated to the United States in 1952. He graduated from Pequot Lakes High School in 1955. He attended Augsburg College, Minneapolis and graduated with a teaching degree in math, German and history in 1959. He began his teaching career in Fertile High School before working as a missionary teacher in Papua New Guinea for two and a half years. He then taught in Staples for 31 years before retiring in 1997.

Henry was united in marriage to Judith “Judy” Leinonen on June 5, 1971 in French Lake. Together they enjoyed being outside, gardening and watching birds. They loved listening to  music, traveling and cherished time with family. 

Henry was a quiet man of faith. He was humble and gracious and modeled integrity, generosity and patience to all.

Henry is survived by his wife, Judy; one daughter, Becky; two sons, Jon (Patsy) and Nathan (Brianna); five grandchildren; one brother, Gustav; two sisters, Mia Reepschlager and Ruth Kopka; and many other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Wilhelm and one sister, Anna Marie Kopka.

Memorials in his honor can be sent to Abounding Joy Lutheran Church, St. Cloud, or American Bible Society.

Arrangements are by Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, St. Cloud.

            w50c  A00006B2020DC09