LaVern Kopsa

LaVern Joseph Kopsa was born of a proud Bohemian heritage October 5, 1921 to Joseph and Rose Kopsa and lived in and around the community of Cuba, Kansas all his life. He passed into the hands of God April 30, 2011. He was a loving, devoted and caring husband, Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa. Vern proudly served his country during World War II. His crew flew B-25s in the Asiatic-Pacific theatre and was presented, among other medals, the Bronze Star for the Battle over the Kurile Islands.   He was married September 1945 to Wilda Morrison and they were blessed with two sons, Gregory and Randall. Vern and Wilda owned the Cuba Cash Store for over two decades and were active in their church and community. He loved music, the outdoors, hunting and fishing as well as being a great cook and winemaker.   He played the saxophone and clarinet in the Cuba City Band and was a member of the Rhythm Aces Band, continuing to play through last year. Vern was involved in Scouting with his boys, coached baseball, and he and Wilda were always at the boys' football and basketball games. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Cuba American Legion for 65 years where he served cinnamon rolls and biscuits and gravy Sunday mornings for years after his retirement. Vern is survived by his two sons, Greg (Connie), Beloit, Kansas and Randy (Jo) North Richland Hills, Texas, four grandchildren, Kyle (Cassie), Kristi (Brian Arasmith), Jennifer (Cameron Akin) and Byron and six great grandchildren Chance and Sierra Kopsa, Alexis and Logan Arasmith and Hogan and Julie Akin and his beloved dog, Holly. Funeral services will be held 10:30am Thursday, May 5, 2011 at the Presbyterian Church in Cuba, Kansas with Pastor Phil Goombi officiating. Burial will be in Kopsa Cemetery rural Cuba. Military Rites will be conducted by American Legion, William Fleming Post No. 345 Cuba, Kansas. Family greeting friends Wednesday 6 to 8pm at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, Belleville, Kansas. Visit www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com.