Chester H. Kopec's Obituary
Chester H. Kopec, 91 yrs., of Columbia, IL, passed away at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Belleville, IL. He was born in East St. Louis, IL, the son of the late Charles and Mary, nee Tarczon, Kopec. He was married to Lillian, nee Sander, Kopec, who survives him. They were married on November 4, 1950, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Columbia, IL, with Fr. John Schroeder officiating.
Chester was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where he had been the men's choir director for over 35 years, Knights of Columbus Council 1334 - 4th Degree, where he had been a past Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator, Knights of Columbus Council 6165 - 4th Degree, where he had been a past Grand Knight, Columbia Gymnastic Association, St. Louis Metro Polka Club, American Legion Post 581, where he had been a past commander, the Polish-American War Veterans and a former member of the Polish American War Veteran's Honor Guard. He had served in the U.S. Army, and was a Veteran of WW II. Chester was also a local musician, having played with the Tune Twisters and the Polka Spots. He had retired from the Ethyl Corporation, Sauget, IL.
VisitationThursday, May 14, 2015 4:00 pm - 8:00 pmLawlor Funeral HomeAmerican Legion Service 7:00 pm
Funeral MassFriday, May 15, 2015 10:00 amImmaculate Conception Catholic ChurchColumbia, ILFr. Carl Scherrer, officiating
IntermentImmaculate Conception CemeteryColumbia, IL
Memorial Contribution SuggestionsAs an expression of sympathy, the family prefers memorial contributions to: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Building Fund, 411 Palmer Road Columbia, IL 62236, or Eugene Schorb - Immaculate Conception School Education Fund, or Masses.
Also SurvivingDaughter, Patricia Pettet of Hanahan, SC Son, Steven (Connie) Kopec of Columbia, IL Grandchildren, Erin (Matt) Ellis, Graham and Jordan Pettet Great-Grandchildren, Landon and Emma EllisOther relatives and friends
Also Preceded In Death By Sister and Brother-In-Law, Frances (Anthony) Bargiel
What’s your fondest memory of Chester?
What’s a lesson you learned from Chester?
Share a story where Chester's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Chester you’ll never forget.
How did Chester make you smile?