Gerald Kopel
Gerald Kopel, age 65, of Bird Island, MN, died at his residence on Thursday, July 29, 2021. Mass of Christian Burial is Friday, August 6th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bird Island with Rev. George Schmit as celebrant. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation for Jerry is Friday at the church from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Arrangements are with Dirks-Blem Funeral Service in Olivia.
Gerald Edward Kopel was born January 9, 1956 at Olivia, MN, to Elmer and Marie (O’Neill) Kopel. He grew up on the family farm south of Bird Island. Jerry graduated from Bird Island High School in 1975 and then started farming as well as working at Green Giant. Later, he worked for other area farmers. Jerry truly enjoyed farming and had lived on the home place all his life. He enjoyed woodworking and various wood projects, gardening from which he canned and shared his produce, watching TV, and was a very good cook.
Jerry is survived by his siblings: Karen Steffel of Olivia, Sharon (and Jim) Kadlec of Olivia, Marlene Krantz of Fridley, Mike (and Helen) Kopel of Portland, OR, Ron (and Deb) Kopel of Bird Island, Diane (and Jon) Otteson of Olivia, and LuAnn (and John) Krier of Wichita, KS; his brother-in-law Kenny Koterba; and many nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Pat Kopel and Chuck Kopel; his sister Rosie Koterba; and his brothers-in-law Ed Steffel and Jim Krantz.
Blessed Be His Memory
