David Jerome Kopaska
July 01, 2010
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Service Details
David Jerome Kopaska, 54, passed away at his home July 1, 2010.
David was born January 19, 1956 in Des Moines. He graduated from East High School in 1974. For over 20 years David enjoyed working at Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. and was a proud member of the USW Local. He was an avid sports fan.
David is survived by his sons, whom he always carried in his heart, Ryan, Jordan and Joshua: his mother, Patricia Kopaska; sisters, Carolyn (Dennis) Walker and Connie Kopaska; and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and step-mother, Harold and Ethel Kopaska; and sister, Marilyn Sue Kopaska.
A private family graveside service will be held at Glendale Cemetery.
David carried an enormous burden of suffering many years with mental illness. He often spoke of the deep sadness he felt knowing this illness has interfered with his ability to express love for his significant others and children over his lifetime. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 5911 Meredith Drive, Suite E, Des Moines, Iowa 50322-1903.
Online condolences may be sent to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
jamie fauver
07/13/2010
my heart broke when i found out that David passed away, we had known each other for 22 years. i will never forget how special you were in my life and the special gift you gave to me,
when i see him i see you, when i hear is laugh i hear you. when i look into his eyes i see you looking back at me. he shares your love for life and your big heart for people, please guide him and look over him.
you will always be in my heart David, maybe I'll see you in my dreams.
"RIP" David, love always Jamie & and your son Josh.
Dave "Podge" Rogers
07/11/2010
THANKS TO SHERI DIERCKS FOR THAT MEMORY.
IT SADDENS ME TO KNOW THAT DAVE IS GONE. WE GO BACK AS FAR AS KINDERGARTEN AND THERE IS HUNDREDS OF STORIES TO TELL. DAVE AND I WERE ROOMMATES FOR A SHORT TIME AND THEN I MOVED TO TEXAS IN 81 AND LOST TRACK OF HIM FOR ABOUT TWENTY YEARS OR SO. I AM SURE HE IS WITH OUR LORD AND IS NO LONGER SUFFERING FROM ANY DISEASES. I'M SURE I SPEAK FOR RUSS, JIM, ED, BILLY, BUD,GREGG AND BRAD AND LOTS OF OTHER PEOPLE WHEN I SAY ALOT OF FOND MEMORIES WILL BE THOUGHT OF CONCERNING DAVE.
PODGE
Bud Taber
07/08/2010
I was very sorry to hear that Dave was not with us any longer. I first met Dave in first grade and went all through school with him. I knew the true Dave Kopaska. He was a great and loyal friend, with a good heart. We had many good times together. After I moved to Omaha in 1981 I eventually lost touch with Dave. I understand that he suffered with some mental illness issues. I am glad that I got to know the true Dave Kopaska and was able to have him as a good friend for so many years. I will always be able to look back at the time we spent together and know I was blessed to have Dave as a friend.
Sherrie
07/06/2010
To Davids Family:
I remember David from High School as I graduated from East High in 1975. I also recall Marilyn, and her tragic death. My deepest sympathy goes out to the Kopaska Family and Friends.
I also would like to thank the family for asking that donations be sent to NAMI.
In mentioning in Davids memorial, Mental Health Issues and NAMI, perhaps Davids family have helped others more than they can ever imagine. It certainly has touched me.
Life is Fragile Handle with Prayer
God Bless..
sheri diercks mally
07/05/2010
i met dave the summer before we started high school, and we continued our friendship for the next three years. he was such fun to be around, and i loved the way he would shake his head so his hair would stay out of his face. and that laugh - straight from the belly. i think i most remember the way he watched out for his friends - spurgeon, mahoney, rogers. we used to party a lot at union park, and when the police came, and we all had to scatter, dave would hang back, making sure everyone was able to make it away safely. he didn't want anyone left behind - that's the kind of friend he was.
i am so sorry to hear of his passing, and of the pain he endured in his lifetime. he is finally at peace, and my thoughts are with you, his family, as you come to terms with his loss.
Carolyn Walker, sister
07/03/2010
Many people cannot imagine or understand the suffering you endured over your lifetime, David. For that reason, many are truly saddened.
For those coming to this site, please know David is so blessed to be free of the body which trapped him so many years in mental and physical anguish. He knew he was dying as recently as a few days ago and expressed this knowing to others. He was tired of the pain. He had a strong personal faith in God.
My peace is in knowing your spirit will always be with us at a moment's notice. We love you.