Irvin and Lena Kopp, ?-2007

Irvin Kopp, 80, and Lena Kopp, 74, late of Grande Prairie, and former longtime residents of Culp, passed away in a tragic vehicle collision on July 4, 2007. They were longtime residents of Culp and lived in Grande Prairie the last four years. Irvin Alfred Kopp was born in Wayne, Alberta on March 26, 1927. Lena Kopp was born in Watino on July 7, 1932. They were married June 21, 1951 in McLennan United Church. Irvin and Lena Kopp lived in the Culp and Watino area since the early 1930s, where they raised their three children and were active in the region. Irvin Kopp served with Girouxville West Rural Electrification Association Ltd., Girouxville South West Mutual Telephones, Smoky River Alberta Development Corporation Appeal Board, Girouxville Curling Club, and Girouxville Co-op board. Lena was active with Smoky River Agricultural Society, 4-H activities, and as an instructor for further education. Irvin was predeceased by his parents Frederick and Gertrude Kopp, one brother Erhard, and two sisters Kathe and Elfreida. Lena was predeceased by her father Simion (Sam) Zahara, and one brother William Zahara. Irvin is survived by one sister Lucy (George) Wardill) and family. Lena is survived by her mother Anasia Zahara (98 years of age) of Edmonton, and siblings John (Betty) Zahara of Culp, Roger (Tonya) Zahara of Edmonton, and families; two sisters Mary (Verne)Cook of Edmonton and Anne (Derk) Radix of Noose Bay, British Columbia, and families. They will be sadly missed by their children, Marlene (Jacques) Gagnon of Grande Prairie, Gerald (Alta) Kopp of Donnelly, and Beverly (Gerald) Reimer of Valleyview; grandchildren, Melanie (John) Kirby of Fairview, Darryl (Renee) Gagnon of Grande Prairie, Scott Reimer (Stacey Dykstra) of Ridge Valley, Curtis Reimer of High Prairie, Tamaira (Michel)Servant of Edmonton, and Tyler Kopp of Donnelly; and great-grandchildren, Randy Kirby, Jacqueline Kirby, Karlee Kirby, Kalyssa Gagnon, Braeden Gagnon, Joshua Reimer, Connor Reimer, and Cassidy Reimer. They will also be missed by many close friends and neighbours. Funeral services for Irvin and Lena Kopp were held in Girouxville at Notre Dame de Lourdes Roman Catholic Church on July 10 with Pastor Jaime Ventura of Faith Lutheran Church in Grande Prairie officiating. Music was provided by Rosedale Mennonite Choir of Ridge Valley, and soloist was Ginette Aubin. Eulogy was given by grandchildren Melanie Kirby and Scott Reimer. Pallbearers were grandsons Darryl Gagnon, Scott Reimer, Curtis Reimer, Tyler Koop, John Kirby and Michel Servant, and nephews Jason Zahara and Dale Wardill. Honorary pallbearers were granddaughter Tamaira Servant, great-grandsons Randy Kirby and Joshua Reimer, family and friends Bill and Marion Zahara, Sandy and Vera Karpo, Karl and Doris Toerper, Nick and Kathryn Murza, Herb and Linda Prellwitz, Leo Lemire, Lucille Lemire, and John Falebrenza. Interment followed at Culp Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation, Parkinson’s Society, Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS), or a charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent by visiting the website on the Internet at www.oliversgrandeprairie.com. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Oliver’s Grande Prairie Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.