Paul James Kopecky

Racine – Paul J. Kopecky, 37, passed away unexpectedly due to complications of juvenile Diabetes at All Saints on Monday, June 22, 2009. Paul was born in Racine on October 22, 1971, the son of Joseph and Shirley (nee: Andreason) Kopecky, Jr. He was a graduate of Park High School, and was a lifetime Racine resident. Paul was employed at J.C. Muffler, where he was an extraordinary mechanic, manager, and leader. He was also a very talented musician, and loved playing with his brothers, Joe and Bill, in their band “KOPECKY”. Together they had released 5 CD’s, and performed at music festivals worldwide and played with many national recording artists. He loved to go fishing and hunting whenever he could, work in his yard and garden, and was an avid Cubs and Vikings fan. He is survived by his parents, Joseph and Shirley Kopecky, Jr.; his fiancé, Kristine Vogelman; brothers, Joseph (Carrie) Kopecky III, all of Racine, and Bill (Sophie) Kopecky of Marsielle, France; grandmother, Vivian Kopecky; nieces, Diana and Rachel; and nephew, Vaughn; and was “Papa” to Kristine’s grandchildren, Derrick, Mikayla, and Rhylee. He is further survived by other relatives and many good friends. Funeral services will be held in the funeral at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2009 with Rev. Thomas Chryst officiating. All are invited to visit with the family beginning at 3 p.m. Memorials to the family, or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International have been suggested. Our family would like to thank Dr. Thomas Shimshak and staff for their lifesaving efforts, and for their compassionate care of our family following Paul’s death.