Gerald Kopp

Gerald H. Kopp, 84, Topeka, died Wednesday, March 8, 2006 at Stormont-Vail Hospital.

He was born Aug. 11, 1921 in Topeka, the son of Walter C. and Ethel Hendrickson Kopp. He graduated from Harveyville High School in 1939 and attended Washburn University. He had lived in Topeka since 1946.

Mr. Kopp served in the 570th Ambulance Company of the US Army during WW2 and also served in the Korean Conflict. He worked for the Defense Department of the federal government from 1946 until his retirement in 1979.

He was a member of Topeka Sunflower Lions Club for 35 years and a member of the Carbondale Lions Club. He was a Melvin Jones Fellow, and served Lions Clubs in several capacities including District Governor. He was also a member of Topeka North Post #400, American Legion, and Philip Billard Post #1650 V.F.W. He served on the board of the Rural Water District #3, and served as treasurer of the State Library for the Blind and had been a member of the Silver Haired Legislature.

He married F. Geraldine Schlink on Oct. 12, 1946 in Topeka. She died July 27, 2001.

Survivors include two daughters, Zandra Myrick and Pam Brandenburgh, and husband, Dennis, all in Topeka; three brothers, Robert Kopp, Osage City, Richard Kopp, Topeka, Earl Kopp, Harveyville; one sister, Norma Jean Ecklund, Murfreesboro, TN; one granddaughter, Breanna Brandenburgh. He also has several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Interment will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Mr. Kopp will lie in state after noon Friday at the funeral home, where the family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lions Club International Foundation and sent in care of the funeral home.

To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabel.com.