Robert D. “Bob” Kopsa, the son of Charles Wilson Kopsa and Hattie Vaneta (Peterson) Kopsa, was born Nov. 12, 1930, in Cuba, Kan. He died Aug. 26, 2022, at the Blue Valley Lutheran Courtyard Terrace, Hebron, at the age of 91 years, 9 months, and 14 days.
Bob grew up in the Cuba-Munden area, graduating from Whitelock Grade School. He attended high school in Belleville for one year, and then attended Narka High School, graduating in 1948.
Following his schooling, he worked for Verle Holloway on the farm. Bob then served with the U. S. Marine Corps from 1951 until 1953, serving in Korea during the Korean War.
He returned to the area after his discharge, and began farm work, working for the Holloway and Welch farms. Bob later worked at the Flowers Dairy in Fairbury. He also worked at Foote’s for several years and was a janitor at the Hubbell grade school and a school bus driver. He worked for Scott Mumm Farms until the age of 85 and would assist during harvest for many years.
He was united in marriage to Eilene Welch. To this union four children were born. They were later divorced.
He later was united in marriage to Phyllis (Edwards) Gertison and her three daughters joined the family. She preceded him in death
Bob was a member of the Hubbell Lions Club and a volunteer fireman for Chester Fire and Rescue for several years. He liked going to basketball games, going to races and dances, and enjoyed polka music.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Hattie Kopsa; his wives, Ilene and Phyllis; two brothers, Clair (Gail) Kopsa and Don (Elaine) Kopsa; one sister, Betty (Eldon) Evert; niece, Vicki Hallagin, and step daughter, Peggy Iwert.
Bob is survived by his children: Vaneta (Gerald) Moore of Munden, Rebecca (Arlan) Benyshek of Cuba, Kan., Kevin Kopsa of Chester, Lana Kopsa of Lincoln, Neb., and Becky (Mick) Gausman of Chester; 11 grandchildren: Andy (Julinne) Moore of Sabetha, Kan., Luke (Tracey) Moore of Munden, Daniel Moore of Munden, Amber (Jesse) Versch of Hornick, Iowa, A.J. (Abby) Gausman of Deshler, Kyle (Patty) Joy of Sutton, Laura Joy of Narka, Tina Bramhall, Nikki Bays, Fred Iwert, and John Iwert; and 15 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Cremation was selected. A graveside memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 3, at the National Bohemian (Kopsa) Cemetery.
Military graveside rites will be conducted by the U. S. Marine Corps Honor Guard.
Friends may call to sign the register book from 1 p.m., until 6 p.m., on Friday, at the Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville.
Memorials are suggested to Chester Fire and Rescue, Chester.
Online condolences at http://www.bach elor-surber.com
Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, is in charge of the arrangements.
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