Willis J. "Will" Kopp

Willis J. “Will” Kopp, 87, of Kewaskum, passed away on March 30, 2025, at Kettle Moraine Gardens, Kewaskum.

Will entered the world on February 15, 1938, in Albany, Wisconsin, born to the late Willis and Vera Kopp. He was the first of 11 children in the family. During his high school years, he showcased exceptional talent on the basketball court and was offered a scholarship at Lakeland College in Sheboygan, where he attended for a short time prior to joining the Navy.

Answering the call to serve, Will joined the U.S. Navy and rose to the rank of petty officer. His first assignment was aboard the USS William C. Law, a destroyer patrolling the Western Mediterranean. While in the Navy he saw a part of the world he had only heard about. After leaving the Navy, Will returned to Lakeland College and earned his degree. He then began his career as a math teacher and a coach in the Milwaukee public school system. Besides being a dedicated teacher, baseball and football coach, he was a competitive athlete. He was always driving his students and himself to be the best. As a result he led many of his teams to championships.

Will was a loving father who enjoyed spending time with his kids making his famous blueberry pancakes, playing games, taking hikes and enjoying the beautiful Wisconsin landscape. Will’s life took a different path when he met Nancy Redlich at a singles dance. They were married less than one year later and would have celebrated their 37th anniversary this year. They had many wonderful years, traveling, a new home built in the kettle moraine area. Will did his own general contracting and was on the site every day. Will loved being asked to help anyone who would need an extra hand. His nickname around his close family was “energizer bunny”.

Those Will leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife, Nancy; six children, Susan (James) Chapman, Kelly (Jay) Becker, Kyle (Griffin) Kopp, Alyssa Kopp, Kerry Redlich, and Mark Redlich; 11 grandchildren; three sisters, Jeanette (Max) Gardner, Kitti (Timothy) Young, Mary (David) Eley; his brothers, Roger (Jan) Kopp, Harvey (Sharon) Kopp, Roy Kopp, Jack Kopp, and Joe (Gloria) Kopp; other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Will was preceded in death by his son, Daniel Kopp; his siblings, Leilah Mason and Mardell Zweifel; a sister-in-law, Mary Ballard; as well as Mary’s daughter, Lori Ballard. Will also had a special relationship with his mother and father-in-law, Viola Fait and Jerry Fait, who passed away at the age of 106.

VISITATION: Will’s family will greet relatives and friends at Myrhum – Patten Funeral & Cremation Service, 1315 W. Washington Street, in West Bend on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

SERVICE: A service for Will will follow at the funeral home in West Bend.

Will said to Nancy more than a few times that he was ready for God to take him anytime “I have done everything I have wanted to do. I am ready.”

We will be eternally grateful for the loving care he received from Kettle Moraine Gardens in Kewaskum and Lilly Hospice.

The Myrhum – Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Will’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.